We’re in the middle of war.
War against aging.
Humanity has suffered billions of casualties. Today, however, the tides are changing.
In this post, I’ll cover some of the best, most promising longevity supplements, ingredients, and molecules of the future. Use this to guide your further research.
Warning: due to the nature of these compounds, this article is for educational purposes only.
Rapamycin
Also called Sirolimus, rapamycin is a molecule discovered on Easter Island. It’s primarily used to suppress immunity. Useful for overactive immune systems and to ensure successful transplants. Rapamycin is a “senomorphic”, meaning that it prevents senescent (zombie) cells from releasing inflammatory molecules. Research from the last few years has found that it improves cellular health and thus potentially increases healthspan.
Rapamycin has its issues. For example, it may promote diabetes. And it works by blunting the anabolic mTOR pathway. Blocking mTOR is a bad idea for anyone looking to build muscle.
Rapamycin’s no joke. In the wrong hands or use without close supervision is dangerous.
Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin, affectionately dubbed “nature’s sunscreen” is the compound giving krill and salmon their reddish flesh. As a supplement, it acts as a potent antioxidant, protecting the brain, nervous system, heart, and mitochondria.
Astaxanthin has full-body effects, ranging from skin beautification and UV protection, to free radical scavenging to reducing inflammation, to boosting brain function.
I personally use it to stabilize fish oil (prevent it from aging). Or whenever I expect to spend significant time in the sun.
Most Astaxanthin research comes out of Japan. Could this molecule be their secret to long life? If you’re curious and want to learn more, here’s my guide on the top astaxanthin supplements.
Metformin
Metformin, a drug extracted from French Lilac, is a controversial subject in biohacking communities. On one hand, it’s well studied. With its cellular mechanisms showing promise in promoting healthy aging. Metformin’s often viewed as a free pass to binge eat anything without consequence.
Metformin activates the cellular cleanup AMPK pathway but damages mitochondria in the process. That may not be as bad as it sounds. Researchers speculate that the micro-mitochondrial damage results in them regenerating stronger (much like how strength training causes micro-tears in muscle which then grow after rest).
In the USA, it’s prescription only. Better yet, for longevity purposes, I prefer highly-effective natural metformin alternatives. That article also covers the serious drawbacks of off-label Metformin use for anti-aging.
Spermidine
If its name doesn’t give Spermidine’s origin away, it is a natural component of… sperm. Our bodies (male and female) produce only one-third of the spermidine in our body. The rest comes from diet. You’ll get trace amounts from fruits, wheat germ, soybeans, vegetables, meat, and cheese. Perhaps ample dietary spermidine explains the high life expectancy among Asians.
Spermidine research is sparse but growing. With recent studies finding that it:
- Extends healthspan
- Neuroprotective (in rats with Parkinson’s)
- Lowers all-cause mortality (chance of dying from anything)
- Reduces blood pressure
- Induces autophagy
On the beauty front, users report faster hair growth and fullness, and stronger nails.
Interesting in trying it out? Check out this roundup & review of the best spermidine supplements.
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD)
David Sinclair popularized NAD with his book Lifespan [Amazon] and interviews on big podcasts. His lab has found incredible full-body healing effects from topping off NAD with one of two main boosters: Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) and Nicotinamide Riboside (NR). Sinclair believes that the more molecularly-stable NMN supplements are best. But there’s more research on the life-extending properties of NR.
NAD is considered the energy currency of the body. Without it, you’d die within 30-seconds. 500+ processes throughout the body require NAD to function. It declines as we age. As it drops, aging accelerates. Our brain and body become frail. There are two primary ways to increase levels and slow aging:
- Supplement with NAD boosters
- Improve the body’s efficiency of recycling it through the salvage pathway
My article on natural NAD boosters explains cheap (and free) ways to keep levels high. Only then should you move on to the more powerful NR supplements. NMN and NR supplements are effective but expensive.
Optimize NAD and you’ll feel more energetic and live longer.
Epitalon
Epitalon is a synthetic anti-aging peptide identified as a crucial extract of cow pineal glands. Epitalon is widely considered one of the best therapeutic peptides for health. It works by activating an enzyme called telomerase. Telomeres are like protective caps that guard your DNA. Self-quantification enthusiasts use telomere testing to quantify their lifestyle changes. To get objective lifestyle scoring from subjective practices.
You can use a genetic analysis tool called SelfDecode to see if your telomerase enzymes are generating enough “protective caps” for your DNA. Check your results for the following:
- TERT
- TERC
- RTEL1
- ACYP2
- OBFC1
If you have variants that lead to shorter telomere length, epitalon can be especially valuable.
Essentially, epitalon protects your genes against the normal corruption that occurs as we age. It has quickly become one of the most popular peptides amongst anti-aging enthusiasts. Epitalon also is known to heal the pineal gland from injury or calcification (see other pineal gland health tips here).
It’s very difficult to find, and only available via some of the best peptide vendors online.
ISRIB
An experimental drug short for integrated stress response inhibitor. A 2013 rodent study found that it produced significant nootropic learning and memory enhancement. It’s being investigated as a treatment to reverse the impairments from traumatic brain injury. ISRIB appears to also restore memory in older non-TBI mice.
Best of all, cutting-edge December 2020 research found that it reverses can reverse age-related declines in memory and mental flexibility within days of starting use. Shattering the previously held belief of permanent memory loss.
Another risky compound with potential.
5-Amino-1MQ
Hands down, the most interesting compound I came across in 2020. 5-Amino-1MQ blocks an enzyme called NNMT, accelerating fat burning. It’s perhaps the ultimate body transformation agent. Possibly only outmatched by tesofensine.
Users easily shed body fat, pack on muscle, boost cellular energy, and improve athletic performance.
The (limited) evidence so far is compelling:
- From 14 days of use, an athletic pharmacist named Ryan Smith increased his vertical by an entire 7 inches!
- Mice given it lost 6% of their body weight in 11 days
How does this translate into a longer healthspan?
Lean body mass and strength are two of the greatest predictors of longevity.
Despite its long scientific name, 5A1MQ is quite possibly the superhuman compound of the future. Unfortunately, it’s rather difficult and expensive to source. You can buy 5-Amino-1MQ at this shop.
Cannabinoids
The body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) restores full-body homeostasis. Lifestyle practices, supplements, and compounds naturally activate this system:
- Avoiding pesticides
- Optimizing omega-3 fat intake
- Fasting
- Exercise
- Reducing stress
- Cold thermogenesis
- Caffeine
Cannabis has 130+ (and counting) known non-psychoactive compounds that don’t get you high but exert potent health-balancing effects. Today, CBD has beaten out the others as the most popular cannabinoid.
Researchers are in the midst of uncovering the myriad health benefits of others. CBN, CBG, CBC, CBCA, and other cannabinoids can play safe and effective roles in improving a wide range of conditions. For healthy, condition-free folks too. I expect research on this adaptogenic system and therapy to pick up. This is the best hemp/CBD supplement I’ve found.
Pterostilbene
Have you heard that red wine is good for you?
Red wine aficionados celebrated when scientists discovered a molecule called resveratrol. Thousands of studies and 15 years later, resveratrol hasn’t lived up to expectations. Though Pterostilbene and resveratrol share similar molecular structures, Pterostilbene has a major advantage…
It works.
Like most longevity molecules, experts don’t exactly understand why. Pterostilbene research lags about ten years behind resveratrol. Still, over 400 studies support Psterostilbene as a potent health-supporting compound. Producing anti-aging effects like:
- Strong free radical scavenger
- Enhancing endogenous antioxidants
- Activating sirtuins
- Activating AMP Kinase
- Caloric restriction mimetic (tricks your body into the cellular regeneration that usually only occurs when starving)
- Increasing autophagy
- Increasing DNA repair mechanisms
Top longevity scientists regularly mention it in their books.
When the minds behind top NR supplement formulas include an unusual ingredient, pay attention.
Pterostilbene is resveratrol’s more potent sibling.
Ketones
The ketogenic diet has become popular for two primary reasons: weight loss and mental clarity.
When your body begins burning body fat, it generates a special type of fuel called ketones. Ketones are like rocket fuel for the brain, supplying hours of clean-burning energy.
Ketones elevate healthy brains to higher levels of performance. Though they’re vital for aged and concussed brains since they cannot effectively burn normal fuel (carbohydrates). When running with limited fuel, the brain diverts energy only to the regions that need it most. The rest shut down.
Elevating ketone levels in the blood provides the brain with an additional fuel source, re-activating shutdown regions.
The body can produce its own ketones from strict carbohydrate avoidance. Special products, however, can accelerate the process (and reduce the agony of the transition period — nicknamed “keto flu”).
Exogenous ketone drinks & supplements (I’ve reviewed many of the best products available) can slow aging, improve cognition, and help stave off neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s.
Molecular Hydrogen (H2)
One of the oldest and most abundant elements in the universe. H2 is the smallest gas molecule in existence. And it may benefit every cell in your body.
Did you know that some free radicals aren’t bad? They can be important signaling molecules.
Most antioxidants indiscriminately scavenge all free radicals, which comes with unintended side effects. Molecular hydrogen selectively mops up only the toxic free radicals while avoiding the essentials.
Over 1,000 high-impact, peer-reviewed scientific articles and studies support H2 for:
- Combating brain inflammation
- Decreasing oxidative stress
- Activating protective pathways (NRF2)
- Cleaning neurons
- Reducing inflammation
- Preventing damage caused by chronic stress
For greater detail, see my guide to molecular hydrogen tablets. Or, for the ultimate upgrade that’s the superior cousin of molecular hydrogen, check out this post on the science and benefits of Brown’s Gas.
Dasatinib
As we age, some of our cells evade cleanup by the immune system. These freeloaders shirk their normal cellular responsibilities while still consuming energy. Sometimes called “zombie cells”, senescent cells accumulate as we age and make us less efficient.
Fasting, exercise, and other healthy lifestyle practices induce the cellular cleanup process called autophagy. Cells undergo greater scrutiny, allowing us to kill these senescent cells.
Dasatinib is actually a cancer medication but with unique properties. It acts as a senolytic; a compound that induces the autophagy cleanup process. For those that cannot exercise or fast, it’s now receiving attention for anti-aging effects.
While far too risky for a good first line of defense, longevity researchers pay close attention to senolytics.
Fullerene (C-60 Oil)
C60, Buckminsterfullerene, or even buckyballs—whatever you call it—is a promising antioxidant with powerful lifespan-lengthening effects in animal studies.
One study found that C60 increased rat lifespan by 90%! Other mouse studies have shown lifespan increases of 5% to 14%. Though, to date, few studies have investigated C60 in humans.
Early research suggests that it works two ways:
- Removing metabolic waste
- Neutralizing free radicals
Other benefits of C-60 supplementation include:
- Killing microbes
- Protecting nerves
- Preventing skin damage
Panacea or risky chemical? It’s still too early to say. But biohackers remain optimistic. I’ve been experimenting and testing it for over 6 months now. Resulting in this C60 supplement comparison & review.
Turmeric (+ Curcumin)
Turmeric is India’s original longevity (and flavor) enhancing root. Curcumin is the most heavily researched active ingredient in turmeric, making up 77% of the curcuminoids. Usually, the roots are ground up and powdered. Only then do supplement manufacturers extract curcumin.
Most of the benefits of curcumin come from its anti-inflammatory effects. Considering that inflammation is the root of most disease, this is significant. Some research suggests that it might be as effective as NSAIDs like Tylenol to reduce inflammation. Without nasty side effects.
Curcumin, however, is but one of many active ingredients in turmeric. I prefer cooking with powder and a source of fat to ensure that I get all the beneficial phytonutrients in turmeric.
Rhodiola
Where turmeric was an anti-aging Indian staple, the Chinese, Russians, and Scandinavians relied on Rhodiola. Rhodiola is a semi-rare and valuable medicinal plant that grows at high altitudes (up to 2280 m). Only in the arctic and mountainous regions.
While traditionally used as a stress-busting “adaptogen”, more recent research supports what ancient cultures have known for millennia. Rhodiola deserves recognition for its longevity-boosting effects.
The many uses of Rhodiola include:
- Anti-aging
- Anti-inflammation
- Anti-stresses
- Antioxidant
- Anti-viral
- Anti-cancer
- Increasing immunity
- Enhancing DNA repair
- Improving adaptation to hypoxia and angiogenesis
From athletes to astronauts, some research suggests that Rhodiola mitigates and treats disease, and improves overall health. Even among healthy populations. You can grab high-quality Rhodiola here.
The Future Research of Anti-Aging & Longevity Biohacking Supplements
“Aging is a disease.”
— Unknown
The current paradigm is changing.
Classifying aging as a disease will draw massive funding to longevity laboratories across the world. Some of today’s greatest minds are working tirelessly on uncovering anti-aging habits, natural ingredients, and synthetic molecules that will lengthen the quantity and improve the quality of our lives.
You don’t need a $4.5 million laboratory to slow your aging.
New technologies like biological age testing show that these new protocols really work! I managed to reverse my biological age by almost nine years.
Slowing the aging process can be a simple start:
- Start simple with a clean diet. Eat salmon and krill to get your astaxanthin. Regularly cook with herbs and spices like turmeric.
- Increase your Ketone levels naturally by fasting, through exercise, or with the right products.
- Try molecular hydrogen to quell inflammation.
- Use NAD boosters for extracellular energy.
Only then would I consider the fancy longevity supplements and peptides.
Fancy or not, what do you do (or take) to boost your healthspan? Share your top tips in the comments below.
