Scientists Discover Powerful Anti-Aging Compounds in Blood Bacteria

Researchers have uncovered new anti-aging compounds derived from a lesser-known blood bacterium, which may lead to innovative skin rejuvenation therapies. This discovery, detailed in the Journal of Natural Products on November 29, 2025, highlights the potential of indole metabolites in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in skin cells.

The study, conducted by a team led by Chung Sub Kim and Sullim Lee, focuses on the bacterium Paracoccus sanguinis. This organism produces metabolites that have shown promise in combating the damaging effects associated with aging skin. The researchers aimed to explore the metabolic functions of this bacterium, as blood-derived microbes remain largely unexamined in scientific research.

To investigate, the team cultured P. sanguinis for three days and extracted a variety of metabolites. Using advanced analytical techniques, they identified 12 distinct indole metabolites, six of which had never been previously documented. The focus then shifted to determining the effects of these compounds on skin cell cultures.

In laboratory tests, the researchers exposed human skin cells to conditions that elevated reactive oxygen species, molecules that contribute to inflammation and collagen damage. When treated with the indole metabolites, the cells exhibited reduced levels of these harmful species. Notably, three compounds, including two newly identified metabolites, significantly decreased the presence of inflammatory proteins and collagen-degrading enzymes.

The implications of this research are substantial. The findings suggest that indole metabolites could pave the way for new treatments aimed at reversing skin aging. Kim expressed excitement about the potential health benefits of studying blood-derived microbes, stating, “Given the unique environment of the bloodstream, we believed that studying individual species like P. sanguinis could reveal previously unknown metabolic function relevant to health and disease.”

Funding for the study was provided by the National Research Foundation of Korea, the BK21 FOUR Project, and the National Supercomputing Center. These collaborations underscore the importance of interdisciplinary efforts in advancing our understanding of microbial metabolites and their applications in health sciences.

As researchers continue to delve into the capabilities of P. sanguinis, the discovery of these indole compounds marks a significant step forward in the quest for effective anti-aging solutions. The potential for developing therapies that harness the body’s own biological processes could revolutionize skincare and wellness industries in the near future.