Scientists Discover Anti-Aging Compounds in Blood-Dwelling Bacteria

Researchers have identified new anti-aging compounds produced by a little-known blood bacterium, offering potential breakthroughs in skin rejuvenation therapies. Published on November 29, 2025, in the Journal of Natural Products, the findings highlight that these indole metabolites can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as collagen-damaging activities in laboratory-grown human skin cells.

People often invest considerable time and resources into maintaining youthful skin through creams and serums. This study uncovers naturally occurring molecules within the body that possess anti-aging properties. The compounds originate from a bacterium known as Paracoccus sanguinis, which resides in human blood. The research indicates that these metabolites can mitigate cellular damage and inflammation, suggesting a new avenue for future skin-aging treatments.

Despite significant advances in microbiome research, our understanding of bacterial by-products—termed metabolites—circulating in the bloodstream remains limited. Among these, indole compounds have garnered attention due to their potential anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. The bacterium Paracoccus sanguinis was first identified in 2015, revealing its ability to produce these beneficial compounds.

Chung Sub Kim and Sullim Lee led a team focused on the metabolites produced by P. sanguinis, motivated by the unexplored realm of blood-derived microbes. Kim stated, “Given the unique environment of the bloodstream, we believed that studying individual species like P. sanguinis could reveal previously unknown metabolic functions relevant to health and disease.”

To investigate these potential benefits, the researchers cultured a significant quantity of P. sanguinis for three days, extracting a comprehensive mixture of its metabolites. They employed various analytical techniques, including spectrometry and isotope labeling, to identify the chemical structures of 12 distinct indole metabolites. Notably, six of these had never been documented before in scientific literature.

Subsequently, the team tested the effects of these indole compounds on cultured human skin cells subjected to reactive oxygen species, which are known to cause inflammation and damage collagen. Among the 12 indoles evaluated, three, including two newly identified metabolites, demonstrated significant reductions in the levels of reactive oxygen species compared to untreated samples. These metabolites also lowered levels of two inflammatory proteins and a protein associated with collagen degradation.

The implications of these findings are promising. The researchers believe that the newly characterized indole metabolites could pave the way for innovative therapies aimed at combating the effects of aging on the skin. This research was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea, the BK21 FOUR Project, and the National Supercomputing Center.

As scientists continue to explore the potential of bacterial metabolites, the discovery of these compounds may represent a significant step forward in the quest for effective skin rejuvenation treatments. The integration of naturally produced molecules from within the body could transform the landscape of anti-aging solutions in the near future.