Scientists Discover Powerful Anti-Aging Molecules in Blood Bacteria

Researchers have discovered new anti-aging compounds produced by a little-known bacterium found in human blood. The study, published on November 29, 2025, in the Journal of Natural Products, highlights the potential of indole metabolites to combat skin aging, demonstrating a promising avenue for future therapeutic interventions.

The compounds were identified by a team led by Chung Sub Kim and Sullim Lee from South Korea. Their research focused on Paracoccus sanguinis, a blood-dwelling bacterium that produces these metabolites. The findings suggest that these naturally occurring molecules can significantly reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and collagen damage in laboratory-grown human skin cells.

The team cultured a substantial quantity of P. sanguinis for three days to extract its metabolites. Employing advanced analytical techniques, including spectrometry and isotope labeling, the researchers identified 12 distinct indole metabolites, six of which had not been documented previously.

To assess the impact of these compounds on skin aging, the researchers treated cultured human skin cells with solutions containing the metabolites. Prior to treatment, the cells were exposed to conditions that elevated levels of reactive oxygen species—molecules that can instigate inflammation and contribute to collagen degradation. Among the metabolites tested, three demonstrated particularly strong effects, reducing the levels of reactive oxygen species and lowering the amounts of inflammatory proteins and those related to collagen breakdown.

The research underscores a significant gap in our understanding of how bacterial by-products influence human health. As Kim pointed out, “Blood-derived microbes are a relatively uncharted area of research. Given the unique environment of the bloodstream, studying species like P. sanguinis could uncover previously unknown metabolic functions relevant to health and disease.”

The potential for these indole metabolites to form the basis of future skin rejuvenation therapies is substantial. With ongoing research, these findings may lead to innovative treatments aimed at mitigating the effects of aging on the skin. The work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea, the BK21 FOUR Project, and the National Supercomputing Center.

As the quest for effective anti-aging solutions continues, this discovery highlights the importance of exploring the body’s own resources, paving the way for treatments that harness the power of natural compounds.