2025/11/05 by Abrar Hussain, Naheed Mojgani, Nazia Koser +2 · 1 voice
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Agricultural and Biological Sciences · #Genetics, Aging, and Longevity in Model Organisms #Gut microbiota and health #Probiotics and Fermented Foods
paper · doi:10.1016/j.microb.2025.100607
openalex publication_date 2025/11/05 · openalex created_date 2025/11/05 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/15
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host. There are selection criteria that are followed while claiming the probiotic potential of a test strain. Besides other health benefits of probiotics, their anti-aging properties have recently grasped the attention of researchers and are considered of high significance. Aging is a natural, biological, and irreversible process through which every individual passes. The world's elderly population is increasing, and it is anticipated that there will be 1.6 billion elderly people in 2050. Efforts, both individually and globally, are made to reduce or slow down the aging process. Presently, the role of probiotics, majorly from the genera lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium, is widely investigated for their anti-aging potential. The exact mechanisms by which gerobiotics (anti-aging probiotics) can attenuate aging are still under explanation, but evidence shows that gerobiotics can target transcription factors, act via oxidative stress mechanisms, and reduce the physiological process of aging. C. elegans , mice, and rats are used as experimental models in aging studies. Several gerobiotics were tailored in an experimental model and obtained promising results. Although the current data is not sufficient for human trials, there is a need for more experiments that correctly define the mode of action, pathways, and association of the host with gerobiotics. Considering the importance of the field, the increase in experimental observations, and the availability of less literature, this review article aims to provide recent, updated, and cumulative literature about the anti-aging properties of probiotics. • The potential role of probiotics in healthy aging is being actively explored, supported by various examples. • The global elderly population is rapidly growing and is projected to reach 1.6 billion by 2050. • Both individual and global efforts are underway to mitigate or slow the effects of aging