Exploratory Effects of a Novel Nutraceutical on Senescence-Related Protein Biomarkers in Healthy Adults: A Pilot Proteomics Study

Cellular senescence drives aging and age-related disease through the accumulation of senescent cells and their senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Emerging evidence suggests intermittent (“hit-and-run”) senolytic interventions may improve healthspan by reducing senescent cell accumulation and the SASP. Healthy adults aged 45–79 were recruited for a decentralized, single-arm pilot study (NCT06953518) evaluating 2 days of nutraceutical supplementation (Qualia Senolytic). Fingerstick blood samples and validated quality of life (QoL) questionnaire data were collected on days 0 and 7. Primary outcomes were SASP biomarkers measured by the Olink® Target 48 Cytokine panel, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-8 (CXCL8), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). Protein data were analyzed using linear mixed models and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Seventy-one adults enrolled and 53 (74.6%) provided paired protein samples. No significant changes occurred in primary outcomes. Exploratory unadjusted analyses revealed significant reductions in the established senescence chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10, as well as CCL8 and CXCL11, and increases in interleukin-17F and oncostatin M. QoL significantly improved without safety concerns, though results are expectation-sensitive. Preliminary findings support the feasibility of this decentralized approach and identify candidate SASP biomarker signals in healthy adults warranting validation in randomized, placebo-controlled trials.