---
title: "Ergothioneine promotes longevity and healthy aging in male mice"
description: "Daily ergothioneine supplementation extended lifespan and improved multiple markers of healthy aging in male mice."
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d38446314.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d38446314.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d38446314.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "d38446314"
journal: "Geroscience"
year: 2024
pmid: "38446314"
doi: "10.1007/s11357-024-01111-5"
citations: 1
updated: 2026-09-02
author: "Gabriel Radu, DO"
author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765."
publisher: "Magellan Longevity"
content_format: "markdown"
---

# Ergothioneine promotes longevity and healthy aging in male mice

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## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | Geroscience |
| Year | 2024 |
| PMID | [38446314](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38446314/) |
| DOI | [10.1007/s11357-024-01111-5](https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-024-01111-5) |
| Study key | d38446314 |

## Takeaway

Daily ergothioneine supplementation extended lifespan and improved multiple markers of healthy aging in male mice.

## The question

Can ergothioneine (ERGO) supplementation promote longevity and prevent age-related impairments like frailty and cognitive decline in male mice?

## Hypothesis

The researchers hypothesized that daily oral supplementation of ERGO would extend lifespan and mitigate age-related impairments in male mice.

## Methods

Male mice were given daily oral supplementation of ERGO (4-5 mg/kg/day) dissolved in drinking water from 7 weeks of age until the end of their lives. Lifespan, frailty, and cognitive impairment were assessed. Additionally, the effects of ERGO on the lifespan and non-frailty span of Caenorhabditis elegans were investigated. Plasma biomarkers, hippocampal neurogenesis, TDP43 protein aggregation, and microglial phenotype were also examined.

## Results

ERGO supplementation remarkably extended the lifespan of male mice and increased the life and non-frailty spans of C. elegans. At 88 weeks of age, the ERGO group showed significantly lower age-related declines in weight, fat mass, and movement velocities compared to controls. ERGO suppressed age-related increases in plasma biomarkers such as chemokine ligand 9, creatinine, symmetric dimethylarginine, urea, asymmetric dimethylarginine, quinolinic acid, and kynurenine. ERGO also rescued age-related impairments in learning and memory, which was associated with suppressed decline in hippocampal neurogenesis, reduced TDP43 protein aggregation, and promotion of microglial M2 phenotype.

## Conclusion

Ingestion of ERGO may promote longevity and healthy aging in male mice, potentially through multiple biological mechanisms including improved physical parameters, reduced inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers, enhanced cognitive function, and beneficial effects on brain health.

## Limitations

The study was conducted in male mice and Caenorhabditis elegans, so the findings may not directly translate to humans. The specific mechanisms underlying all observed effects require further elucidation.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> Ingestion of ergothioneine remarkably extended the lifespan of male mice and rescued age-related impairments

## Daily Ergothioneine Dose in Male Mice

| Measure | Dose (mg/kg/day) |
| --- | --- |
| ERGO Dose | 4 |
| ERGO Dose | 5 |

*Male mice ingested 4 to 5 mg/kg/day of ergothioneine.*

## Where this study is used on Magellan

This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions.

| Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ergothioneine (L-Ergo) | Moderate evidence | [Ergothioneine (L-Ergo)](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/108.md) |

## Reference

1. **Ergothioneine promotes longevity and healthy aging in male mice**
   Geroscience 2024 · [PMID 38446314](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38446314/) · [DOI 10.1007/s11357-024-01111-5](https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-024-01111-5)

   > Ingestion of ergothioneine remarkably extended the lifespan of male mice and rescued age-related impairments

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## Related on Magellan Longevity

- [Ergothioneine (L-Ergo)](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/108.md) — product graded on this and related evidence
- [Evidence: plasma ergothioneine, cytoprotection](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s108.md)
- [Ergothioneine: an underrecognised dietary micronutrient required for healthy ageing?](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d38018890.md)
- [Longevity research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html)
- [Evidence-based longevity supplements](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-supplements.md)

## Scope and disclosures

Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases.

Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).