Lecture Notes on Longevity Supplements and Molecules

Introduction

• Search for Anti-Aging Solutions:
  • Humans have sought a "magic pill" for aging for centuries.
  • Ancient myths include the Water of Life; modern approaches involve supplements and pharmaceuticals.
• Challenges in Human Studies:
  • Impossible to test longevity effects of supplements in humans directly.
  • Animal studies (e.g., rodents, worms, flies) show some life-extension effects.

National Institute of Aging’s Intervention Testing Program (ITP)

• Overview:
  • World's most rigorous peer-reviewed program for studying longevity molecules in mice.
  • Established in 2002, has tested dozens of compounds over 20 years.
  • Results can be found on their website.
• Findings:
  • Identified nine molecules that extend lifespan in mice.
  • Compounds include: acarbose, aspirin, canagliflozin, captopril, glycine, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), protandim, rapamycin, and 17-alpha estradiol.

Detailed Analysis of Compounds

Acarbose

• Function:
  • Diabetes drug that blocks glucose absorption.
  • Extended median lifespan in male mice by 22%, females by 5%.
• Mechanism and Human Implications:
  • Reduction in glucose absorption linked to calorie restriction (a known method of life extension).
  • Potential negative side effects: muscle mass and strength reduction.
  • Benefits for diabetics; less clear for healthy individuals.

Canagliflozin

• Function:
  • Diabetes drug supporting kidney and cardiovascular function.
  • Extended lifespan in male mice by 14%, no effect in females.
• Mechanism:
  • Similar to acarbose in reducing glucose absorption.

Aspirin

• Function:
  • Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug.
  • Extended median survival in male mice by 8%.
• Human Implications:
  • Linked to increased cancer-related deaths in elderly humans.
  • Used for primary and secondary cardiovascular disease prevention.

Glycine

• Function:
  • Amino acid supporting various bodily functions.
  • Extended maximum lifespan in mice by 4-6%.
• Mechanism and Benefits:
  • Mimics methionine restriction.
  • Supplementing with glycine can balance high methionine diets in humans.

Captopril

• Function:
  • ACE inhibitor for treating high blood pressure.
  • Extended lifespan in female mice by 4-5%.
• Human Use:
  • Recreational use not recommended due to side effects.

Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid (NDGA)

• Function:
  • Herbal compound activating Nrf2 to reduce inflammation.
  • Increased lifespan in mice by 10%.
• Availability:
  • Not common in supplements yet.

Protandim

• Function:
  • Herbal supplement mix supporting Nrf2 activation.
  • Increased lifespan in male mice by 7%.
• Controversies:
  • Legal issues due to misleading marketing claims.

Rapamycin

• Function:
  • Known for significant life-extension effects in animals.
  • Extended lifespan in mice by up to 60% in some studies.
• Human Studies:
  • Shows immune enhancement when used transiently in elderly.
  • Considered promising for longevity, but more trials needed.

17-Alpha Estradiol

• Function:
  • Non-feminizing estrogen that extended male mice lifespan by 19%.
• Mechanism:
  • Potential cardioprotective and neuroprotective effects.
• Sex Differences:
  • Most compounds have greater effects in male mice than females.

Conclusion and Personal Opinions

• Current Use and Recommendations:
  • The speaker takes glycine supplements and considers rapamycin in the future.
  • Caution against using pharmaceuticals recreationally without medical need.
• Further Reading:
  • Speaker promotes their book "The Longevity Leap" for more non-pharmacological strategies.

---

• Call to Action:
  • Encourage liking and subscribing for more content on longevity and health.

---

• Speaker Information:
  • Name: Seam
  • Motto: Stay optimized, stay empowered.