Senolytics
Senolytic Compounds (Dasatinib + Quercetin, Fisetin, Navitoclax)
A class of drugs and natural compounds that selectively eliminate senescent ("zombie") cells, which accumulate with age and drive chronic inflammation, tissue dysfunction, and age-related disease. The most studied combination is dasatinib plus quercetin (D+Q), while fisetin is emerging as a well-tolerated plant-derived alternative. Human trials are underway, but senolytics remain a frontier longevity intervention with significant promise and limited long-term safety data.
How Senolytics Works
Senolytics are compounds that selectively induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in senescent cells — cells that have permanently stopped dividing but resist normal clearance and secrete a toxic mix of inflammatory cytokines, proteases, and growth factors called the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The most studied protocol combines dasatinib (a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets senescent cell survival pathways including PI3K/AKT) with quercetin (a flavonoid that inhibits BCL-2 family anti-apoptotic proteins). By clearing these 'zombie cells,' senolytics aim to reduce chronic inflammation, improve tissue function, and potentially slow biological ageing. NOTE: This is an experimental field — no senolytic drugs are approved for anti-ageing use, and human longevity data is extremely limited.
📊 Evidence by Outcome
Dasatinib + quercetin demonstrated effective clearance of senescent cells in both animal models and early human trials, reducing markers of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Animal data is robust; human replication is ongoing.
22 studies • Consistency: High • Effect: Large
The first human senolytic trial (Justice et al. 2019) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients showed improved 6-minute walk distance and other physical function markers after D+Q administration. Sample sizes remain small.
5 studies • Consistency: Moderate • Effect: Small
Long-term safety in healthy humans is unknown. Dasatinib is an FDA-approved cancer drug with known side effects including myelosuppression and fluid retention. Intermittent dosing protocols aim to mitigate risks, but multi-year data does not yet exist.
8 studies • Consistency: Low • Effect: None
Key Research
Peer-Reviewed Evidence • 4 Citations
Senolytic drugs: from discovery to translation
Kirkland JL, Tchkonia T•J Intern Med•2020•PMID: 32686219
Key Finding: Comprehensive review of senolytic drug development, demonstrating that intermittent clearance of senescent cells alleviates multiple age-related conditions in animal models.
View on PubMedSenolytics decrease senescent cells in humans: Preliminary report from a clinical trial of Dasatinib plus Quercetin in individuals with diabetic kidney disease
Hickson LJ, Langhi Prata LGP, Boez SA et al.•EBioMedicine•2019•PMID: 31542391
Key Finding: First human trial showing D+Q reduced senescent cell burden, decreased SASP factors, and was well-tolerated over a 3-day intermittent dosing protocol.
View on PubMedThe Achilles' heel of senescent cells: from transcriptome to senolytic drugs
Zhu Y, Tchkonia T, Pirtskhalava T et al.•Aging Cell•2015•PMID: 25754370
Key Finding: Landmark paper identifying dasatinib and quercetin as the first senolytic combination, demonstrating selective elimination of senescent cells in vitro and in vivo.
View on PubMedSenolytics in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Results from a first-in-human, open-label, pilot study
Justice JN, Nambiar AM, Tchkonia T et al.•EBioMedicine•2019•PMID: 30616998
Key Finding: D+Q improved physical function including 6-minute walk distance, gait speed, and chair stand time in IPF patients, with an acceptable safety profile.
View on PubMedCitations sourced from PubMed, Cochrane Library, and peer-reviewed journals. Study findings are summarized for accessibility. Always consult the original publication for full methodology and results.
Side Effects & Safety
Interactions & Contraindications
Drug Interactions
- •CYP3A4 inhibitors (increase dasatinib levels dangerously — includes ketoconazole, erythromycin)
- •Anticoagulants (increased bleeding risk due to platelet effects)
- •Antihypertensives (additive blood pressure lowering)
- •Other chemotherapy agents (compounded bone marrow suppression)
- •PPIs and H2 blockers (reduce dasatinib absorption)
Supplement Interactions
- •Quercetin may interact with certain antibiotics (fluoroquinolones)
- •Fisetin at high doses may affect iron absorption
- •NAD+ precursors (NMN/NR) — theoretical concern about supporting senescent cell survival when not combined with senolytics
Food & Timing
- •Grapefruit juice significantly increases dasatinib levels (CYP3A4 inhibition)
- •High-fat meals may alter absorption of senolytic compounds
- •Quercetin-rich foods (onions, apples) add to supplemental doses
Who Should Avoid
- •Active infections (senescent cell clearance temporarily impairs immune function)
- •Pregnancy or planned pregnancy
- •Active cancer treatment (complex interplay between senolytics and tumour biology)
- •Severe cytopenias (low blood counts)
- •Significant liver or kidney impairment (affects drug metabolism and clearance)
- •Recent surgery or wounds (senescent cells contribute to wound healing)
📋 Protocol Snapshot
Protocols are for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment protocol.
Cost Guide
AED 500-3,000/cycle
Limited UAE availability. Costs may vary for international sourcing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quercetin and fisetin are available as over-the-counter supplements in the UAE. Dasatinib is a prescription cancer drug (brand name Sprycel) and is only legally available through oncology prescriptions. Some longevity clinics internationally offer senolytic protocols, but this is not yet standard practice in UAE clinics. Self-administering prescription senolytics without medical supervision carries serious risks.
Very experimental for anti-ageing purposes. While dasatinib is FDA-approved for leukaemia, its use as a senolytic is entirely off-label. Human clinical trials for senolytic anti-ageing effects are ongoing but limited — most data comes from animal models and small pilot studies in specific diseases (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, diabetic kidney disease). We are likely 5-10 years from definitive human longevity data.
The most common research protocol is intermittent 'hit and run' dosing — dasatinib (100mg) plus quercetin (1000mg) taken for 3 consecutive days, then off for several weeks to months. This intermittent approach aims to clear senescent cells while minimising drug exposure. Fisetin-only protocols use higher doses (up to 20mg/kg) for 2 consecutive days. These are research protocols, not medical recommendations.
Quercetin alone has weak senolytic activity compared to the dasatinib-quercetin combination. It may have modest benefits through its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mild senolytic properties at doses of 500-1000mg daily. Fisetin (a related flavonoid) shows more promise as a standalone senolytic in preclinical studies. Neither has definitive human longevity data yet.
Significant. Dasatinib can cause serious side effects including fluid retention, bleeding, and immune suppression. Without proper blood monitoring, these can become dangerous. Additionally, the optimal dosing, frequency, and patient selection criteria for anti-ageing senolytics are not yet established. Working with a physician experienced in longevity medicine is strongly recommended.
Where to Get It (UAE)
Related Treatments
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Kamura Scores reflect a combination of research evidence, community data, and other factors — they are not clinical recommendations. Research citations are provided for reference; always consult the original publications for complete study details. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or modifying any treatment. Individual results may vary.