When we think about slowing down aging, our minds often conjure images of expensive interventions, cutting-edge drugs, or sophisticated gene technologies. Yet, a study published in March 2025 in the international journal *Aging and Disease* has shattered those expectations—revealing that even common kitchen spices like ginger and rosemary may activate the cellular "longevity switch" AMPK, significantly extending the lifespan of fruit flies while also improving their overall health!

Why can these two seasonings create such a remarkable synergistic effect? Do the molecular mechanisms behind them hold cross-species significance? This seemingly simple discovery may just be hinting: the key to health and longevity is quietly hidden right on our everyday dining tables. Moving forward, we’ll delve deeper into the experimental evidence of this study, unravel its underlying mechanisms, and explore the insights it offers for public dietary choices—and even for shaping future strategies aimed at promoting long-term vitality.

 

1. NEWS

Fruit Fly Experiment: Common Seasonings, Extraordinary Lifespan-Extending Effects

It is well known that although fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) have short lifespans, they have long been hailed as "rising stars" in aging research due to their genes and metabolic mechanisms being highly conserved in humans. A study published in 2025 in *Aging and Disease*, jointly conducted by multiple laboratories at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), explored the effects of ginger and rosemary extracts on the lifespan and healthspan of fruit flies (PubMed, Aging and Disease)!

The chloroform extracts of rosemary and ginger can improve protein homeostasis.

The study design included administering oral doses of ginger extract alone, rosemary extract alone, and a combination of both. The extraction methods varied, using ethanol, chloroform, and an ethanol-water mixture. The results revealed that while ginger extract alone had limited effects on lifespan extension, rosemary extract—regardless of the extraction method—demonstrated significant life-prolonging benefits. However, the combination of ginger and rosemary proved even more effective, particularly under the ethanol-water extraction condition, where fruit fly lifespans were extended by as much as 32%, highlighting a precise and potent synergistic interaction (PubMed)!

This not only validates the synergistic effect of ginger and rosemary, but also highlights the "1+1>2" principle—how a combination of culinary spices can actually work wonders in promoting longevity.

 

Section 2 NEWS

Molecular mechanism—activating AMPK to initiate autophagy for clearance

Behind the extension of lifespan lies more than just chance. Further research reveals that this remarkable effect is closely linked to the AMPK (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase) pathway. AMPK acts as a cellular "energy sensor"—when activated, it triggers the autophagy mechanism, which repairs and clears damaged proteins and organelles, thereby maintaining cellular "proteostasis."

The Effects of Absolute Ethanol Extracts from Rosemary and Ginger on Fruit Fly Lifespan and Healthspan

In this study, the combination of ginger and rosemary significantly activated AMPK in fruit flies and boosted autophagy levels, thereby improving protein homeostasis and delaying aging. At the same time, it ruled out the "caloric restriction" effect—suggesting that the lifespan extension wasn't due to reduced food intake, but rather stemmed from genuine molecular interventions mediated by the plants' bioactive compounds (PubMed).

Additionally, previous basic research from UCLA has shown that activating AMPK in fruit fly intestines can extend lifespan by approximately 30%. This finding supports AMPK as a key signaling hub for delaying aging (UCLA, Gene Technology News). Therefore, the current collaboration on seasoning compounds targeting AMPK is highly scientifically justified...

 

Three NEWS

Enhancing Healthy Lifespan: Protecting the Gut and Brain to Extend Both Years and Quality of Life

“Extended lifespan” simply means a numerical increase; it’s “healthy lifespan” that truly reflects an improvement in quality of life. This study not only observed an extension of fruit flies’ lifespans but also revealed a significant enhancement in their health status:

Intestinal barrier function: Older fruit flies commonly exhibit "leaky gut" symptoms, but the combination of ginger and rosemary significantly delays this issue, suggesting that intestinal aging can be slowed down.

Cognitive Function: Fruit flies' learning and memory abilities were assessed using an olfactory learning experiment. The results showed that, even in old age, the combined intervention group continued to exhibit superior cognitive performance (PubMed).

 

The absolute ethanol extracts of rosemary and ginger can improve protein homeostasis and activate autophagy and AMPK.

This means that both not only extend lifespan but also enhance healthspan—giving dual protection to the gut and the brain, two systems most prone to age-related decline. Such longevity and quality-of-life benefits align perfectly with the goal of living a longer, "brighter" life!

 

Four NEWS

From the lab to everyday life: Potential longevity factors in your diet

Although the experimental results in the fruit fly model are promising, the authors cautiously note that the findings from fruit fly studies cannot be directly equated to effects in humans—and clinical validation will still require time and further research support (PubMed). Nonetheless, this study undoubtedly offers valuable insights into our daily diet:

Rosemary is rich in active compounds such as rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid, offering antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective benefits.

Ginger: Components such as gingerol and shogaol have been shown in multiple studies to help improve metabolism, reduce inflammation, and support cognitive function.

 

The Effects of Ethanol-Water Extracts from Rosemary and Ginger on Fruit Fly Lifespan and Healthspan

Some preliminary human trials have shown that rosemary extract may enhance memory, while ginger supplements could help manage symptoms of metabolic syndrome. Although this evidence is still in its early stages, it undeniably suggests that kitchen spices are gradually making their way onto the scientific stage as potential "anti-aging nutritional interventions."

In other words, the longevity solutions of the future may not rely solely on expensive medications—but rather be gradually achieved through subtle improvements in our daily diet, scientifically transforming "flavoring" into "life-extending!"

 

Five NEWS

Summary

This study, published in 2025 by a UCLA research team in *Aging and Disease*, reveals an exciting reality: the clever combination of ginger and rosemary can actually extend fruit flies' lifespans by up to 32%, while also enhancing their overall health through mechanisms such as AMPK activation and boosted autophagy. This groundbreaking laboratory discovery not only expands our understanding of aging but also imbues everyday meals with a new meaning—perhaps all it takes is a sprinkle of rosemary and a few slices of ginger in your cooking to potentially flip a "longevity switch" for a healthier, longer life.

Even though it hasn’t yet been applied in human clinical settings, it reminds us: the secret to longevity may not be out of reach—it could very well be right on our dinner tables. When science meets everyday life, miracles gain a solid foundation in reality. Let’s continue this journey of exploration—spanning from the kitchen to the lab and ultimately toward the future of human health—with both caution and curiosity!