What Is Longevity

Supplements and Compounds

Vitamins, peptides, nootropics, and longevity-targeting compounds, from NAD+ and resveratrol to BPC-157 and senolytics. Plain-language summaries of mechanism, dosing context, and quality markers worth checking before you buy.

Topics in Supplements and Compounds

5-HTP

5-HTP is a natural amino acid precursor to serotonin used to support mood, sleep, and appetite regulation. Learn how it works, dosing, and what the evidence shows.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Acetyl-L-carnitine shuttles fatty acids into mitochondria for energy and crosses the blood-brain barrier to support neuronal function. Here is what the evidence shows.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is a porous carbon adsorbent used in poison control and detox protocols. Learn how it works, its forms, dosing, and what the evidence shows.

Adaptogens

Adaptogens are plant and fungal compounds that modulate the stress response. Learn how they work, which have evidence, and how to use them.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Alpha-lipoic acid is a sulfur-containing antioxidant that supports mitochondrial energy production and recycles other antioxidants, with roles in blood sugar and nerve health.

Apigenin

Apigenin is a plant flavonoid found in chamomile, parsley, and celery that modulates inflammation, sleep, and cellular aging through multiple molecular pathways.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that modulates cortisol and stress physiology. Learn how it works, evidence for its effects, dosing, and quality considerations.

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid antioxidant from microalgae with research on oxidative stress, skin health, and exercise recovery. Here is how it works and what the evidence shows.

Berberine

Berberine is a plant alkaloid that activates AMPK to influence blood sugar, lipids, and cellular metabolism. Here is how it works and what the evidence shows.

Betaine HCl

Betaine HCl is a supplemental source of hydrochloric acid used to support gastric acidity and protein digestion, with details on mechanisms, dosing, and evidence.

BPC-157

BPC-157 is a synthetic peptide derived from a gastric protein, studied for tissue repair and gut healing. Here is what the evidence shows and what remains unknown.

C60 (Carbon 60 / Buckminsterfullerene)

C60, or buckminsterfullerene, is a carbon molecule marketed as an antioxidant supplement. Here is what the science actually shows about its mechanisms and safety.

Cerebrolysin

Cerebrolysin is an injectable neuropeptide preparation derived from porcine brain tissue, used for neurological recovery. Here is how it works and what the evidence shows.

Chaga Mushroom

Chaga mushroom is a birch-dwelling fungus rich in melanin and beta-glucans, used for immune modulation and antioxidant support. Here is what the evidence shows.

Chlorella

Chlorella is a nutrient-dense freshwater algae used for detoxification and immune support. Here is how it works, what evidence exists, and how to use it.

CJC-1295

CJC-1295 is a synthetic peptide analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone. Learn its mechanism, forms, dosing considerations, and current research evidence.

Collagen Peptides

Collagen peptides are hydrolyzed protein fragments used to support skin, joint, and connective tissue health. Here is what the evidence shows about their mechanisms and effects.

Colostrum

Colostrum is the first milk mammals produce after birth, rich in immunoglobulins and growth factors. Learn how it supports gut integrity and immune function.

CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10)

CoQ10 is a fat-soluble compound essential for mitochondrial energy production and antioxidant defense, with roles in heart health and aging.

Cordyceps

Cordyceps is a medicinal fungus used to support oxygen utilization and cellular energy production, with roots in traditional medicine and emerging clinical data.

Creatine

Creatine is a naturally occurring compound that fuels rapid energy production in muscles and the brain, with extensive research on performance, cognition, and aging.

Curcumin (Turmeric Extract)

Curcumin is the active polyphenol in turmeric with documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Learn its mechanisms, forms, dosing, and evidence.

D-Ribose

D-Ribose is a five-carbon sugar cells use to rebuild ATP, the body's primary energy currency. Learn how it works, dosing, and what the evidence shows.

DHEA

DHEA is the body's most abundant steroid hormone precursor, declining steadily with age. Learn how it works, what the evidence shows, and key considerations.

Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes break down food into absorbable nutrients. Learn the types, mechanisms, supplemental forms, and what the evidence says about their role in gut health.

Dihexa

Dihexa is a synthetic peptide studied for its effects on synaptic connections and cognitive function, with origins in angiotensin IV receptor research.

Epithalon (Epitalon)

Epithalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide studied for telomerase activation and cellular aging. Learn its mechanism, evidence base, forms, dosing, and open questions.

Fisetin

Fisetin is a plant flavonoid studied for its senolytic and antioxidant properties. Learn how it works, dosing considerations, and what the research shows.

GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)

GHK-Cu is a copper-binding peptide involved in wound healing, collagen synthesis, and tissue remodeling, with applications in skin care and longevity research.

GLP-1 Agonists (Class Overview)

GLP-1 agonists mimic an incretin hormone to regulate blood sugar, appetite, and body weight. A class overview covering mechanism, forms, evidence, and risks.

Glutathione

Glutathione is the primary intracellular antioxidant, essential for detoxification and immune defense. Learn how it works, forms available, and what the evidence shows.

Glycine

Glycine is the simplest amino acid, essential for collagen synthesis, glutathione production, and sleep quality. Here is what the evidence shows.

Humic and Fulvic Acids

Humic and fulvic acids are organic compounds from decomposed plant matter, studied for mineral transport, gut barrier support, and detoxification potential.

Ipamorelin

Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue peptide. Learn how it works, its evidence base, dosing considerations, and what to know before use.

L-Theanine

L-theanine is an amino acid from tea that promotes calm alertness by modulating neurotransmitters and brain waves, with evidence on dosing, forms, and safety.

Lion's Mane Mushroom

Lion's mane mushroom contains compounds that stimulate nerve growth factor synthesis, with relevance to cognitive function, neuroprotection, and longevity.

Lithium Orotate (Low-Dose)

Lithium orotate delivers trace lithium at sub-therapeutic doses for neuroprotection, mood stability, and potential longevity benefits. Mechanisms, dosing, and evidence.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral cofactor in over 300 enzymatic reactions. This page covers its biological roles, common deficiency patterns, forms, dosing, and evidence.

Melatonin

Melatonin is the hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. This page covers its biology, antioxidant roles, dosage considerations, and evidence for longevity.

Metformin (Off-Label for Longevity)

Metformin is a diabetes drug repurposed for longevity. Learn how it activates AMPK, what the evidence shows, and what off-label use involves.

Methylene Blue

Methylene blue is a synthetic dye that acts as an electron carrier in mitochondria, with applications ranging from medical treatment to off-label longevity use.

Moringa

Moringa oleifera is a nutrient-dense plant used as a supplement for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and blood sugar-modulating properties. Here is what the evidence shows.

NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)

NAD+ is a coenzyme essential for cellular energy production, DNA repair, and aging. Learn how it works, how levels decline, and what the evidence says about supplementation.

NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)

NMN is a precursor to NAD+, a coenzyme essential for cellular energy and DNA repair. Learn how NMN works, dosing considerations, and the current evidence.

Nootropics

Nootropics are substances used to support memory, focus, and mental clarity. Learn how they work, what the evidence shows, and what to consider before use.

NR (Nicotinamide Riboside)

Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is an NAD+ precursor used to support cellular energy and repair. Learn how NR works, dosing, forms, and what the evidence shows.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that regulate inflammation, support cardiovascular and brain health, and influence aging. Here is what the evidence shows.

Ox Bile

Ox bile is a supplemental source of bile salts used to support fat digestion and fat-soluble nutrient absorption, especially after gallbladder removal.

Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid essential to cell membranes, especially in the brain, with roles in cognition, cortisol regulation, and neuronal signaling.

Postbiotics

Postbiotics are bioactive compounds produced by probiotic bacteria during fermentation, including short-chain fatty acids and cell wall fragments that influence gut and immune health.

PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)

PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) is a redox cofactor linked to mitochondrial biogenesis and neuroprotection, with a growing but still early evidence base.

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are specific fibers and compounds that feed beneficial gut bacteria, shaping microbiome composition, immune function, and metabolic health.

Pregnenolone

Pregnenolone is the steroid hormone from which cortisol, DHEA, progesterone, and testosterone derive. Learn its mechanisms, forms, dosing, and evidence.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms taken to support gut health, immune function, and systemic well-being. Here is how they work and what the evidence shows.

Pterostilbene

Pterostilbene is a methylated stilbene found in blueberries with antioxidant and sirtuin-activating properties relevant to aging, metabolism, and cognitive health.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a plant flavonoid with antioxidant and senolytic properties. Learn how it works, its role in longevity research, dosing, and what the evidence shows.

Rapamycin (Off-Label for Longevity)

Rapamycin inhibits the mTOR pathway to influence aging, autophagy, and cellular growth. Here is how it works, what the evidence shows, and what the risks are.

Reishi Mushroom

Reishi mushroom contains triterpenes and polysaccharides that modulate immune function and stress response, with evidence on forms, dosing, and limitations.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a plant polyphenol linked to sirtuin activation and cellular defense. Learn its mechanisms, dosing, evidence, and what remains unproven.

Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic herb that modulates the stress response and supports mental endurance, with evidence from human trials on fatigue and cognition.

Semaglutide

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist used for diabetes and weight loss, with emerging research on cardiovascular and longevity-related outcomes.

Senolytics

Senolytics are compounds that selectively eliminate senescent cells, which accumulate with age and drive chronic inflammation, tissue decline, and age-related disease.

Shilajit

Shilajit is a mineral-rich resin used to support mitochondrial energy, testosterone, and antioxidant status. Here is what the evidence actually shows.

Spermidine

Spermidine is a natural polyamine that induces autophagy and supports cellular renewal. Learn how it works, dietary sources, supplement forms, and current evidence.

Spirulina

Spirulina is a cyanobacterial supplement dense in protein, phycocyanin, and antioxidants. This page covers its mechanisms, dosage, quality, and research.

Sulforaphane

Sulforaphane is a compound from cruciferous vegetables that activates Nrf2 and Phase II detoxification enzymes, with relevance to aging, inflammation, and cancer risk.

Taurine

Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid involved in heart function, bile acid synthesis, and cellular protection, with emerging evidence linking it to lifespan.

Thymosin Alpha-1

Thymosin alpha-1 is a thymic peptide that modulates immune function by activating dendritic cells, T cells, and natural killer cells. Here is what the evidence shows.

Thymosin Beta-4 (TB-500)

Thymosin Beta-4 (TB-500) is a peptide involved in cell migration, wound healing, and tissue repair. Learn how it works, dosing protocols, and current evidence.

Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist used for metabolic health. Learn how it works, its effects on weight and blood sugar, and current evidence.

Turkey Tail Mushroom

Turkey tail mushroom contains beta-glucans that modulate immune function and support gut health. Mechanisms, evidence, dosing, and quality considerations explained.

Urolithin A

Urolithin A is a gut-derived metabolite that triggers mitophagy, the recycling of damaged mitochondria. Learn how it works, dosing, and current evidence.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble hormone precursor essential for bone health, immune regulation, and longevity. Learn how it works, forms, dosing, and testing.

Vitamin K2

Vitamin K2 activates proteins that direct calcium into bones and away from arteries, with evidence on forms, dosing, and its role in cardiovascular and skeletal health.

Latest News in Supplements and Compounds

Longevity.TechnologyFeb 6, 2026

Rapamycin and the quiet work of immune repair

Low-dose rapamycin protects DNA in aging immune cells by reducing damage-induced cell death and senescence markers, suggesting mTOR inhibition preserves immune resilience through direct genoprotection rather than broad immunosuppression. This mechanistic clarity offers a more tractable regulatory and therapeutic pathway than the traditional anti-aging framing.

Longevity.TechnologyMar 10, 2026

Niagen Bioscience secures patent for NR injections

Niagen Bioscience secured a US patent protecting intravenous and injectable formulations of nicotinamide riboside (NR), a NAD+ precursor molecule that declines with age and cellular stress. The patent extends protection through 2044 and positions the company to dominate clinical delivery of NAD+ boosters, a market rapidly expanding across wellness clinics.

Wiley Aging CellApr 23, 2026

Senolytic Treatment With Fisetin Reverses Age‐Related Endothelial Dysfunction Partially Mediated by SASP Factor CXCL12

Fisetin, a plant-derived senolytic, reverses age-related endothelial dysfunction in aging mice by eliminating senescent endothelial cells and reducing the SASP factor CXCL12, which drives vascular dysfunction through oxidative stress and impaired nitric oxide production. This identifies a mechanistic pathway linking cellular senescence to cardiovascular aging and demonstrates functional recovery through targeted senolytic intervention.

LifeSpan.ioApr 21, 2026

Rapamycin Might Blunt Exercise Response in Humans

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial in sedentary adults aged 65-85 found that weekly rapamycin (6 mg) blunted functional gains from a 13-week exercise program, with the placebo group showing greater improvements in chair-stand performance and related measures. The drug's 62-hour half-life likely prevented adequate recovery of mTORC1 signaling between training sessions, creating a pharmacokinetic conflict with exercise adaptation.

Longevity.TechnologyMar 27, 2026

Higher dose semaglutide gets fast FDA nod amid patent pressure

The FDA approved a higher-dose semaglutide formulation (Wegovy HD, 7.2 mg) in 54 days under expedited review, signaling that metabolic disease now carries national priority status alongside traditionally serious conditions. The approval demonstrates additional weight loss benefit with a comparable safety profile to lower doses, though gastrointestinal side effects remain common and new sensory symptoms warrant ongoing monitoring.

Wiley Aging CellFeb 7, 2026

Rapamycin Reverses the Hepatic Response to Diet‐Induced Metabolic Stress That Is Amplified by Aging

Aging amplifies the liver's inflammatory and metabolic response to high-fat diet, increasing hepatic steatosis and transcriptional dysregulation. Rapamycin treatment reversed most diet-driven gene expression changes in older mice, reducing steatosis, body weight gain, and markers associated with liver disease progression.