Quick facts

‍

Safety: Acarbose, primarily indicated for type 2 diabetes management by inhibiting enzymes that digest carbohydrates, is considered safe for its intended use with appropriate medical oversight. Its relevance in longevity stems from its potential to mimic the effects of caloric restriction effects, a known lifespan extender in various organisms. Its use specifically for longevity outside clinical recommendations requires further research. Always consult a healthcare professional before using any medication for off-label purposes.

‍

ITP results: Positive, alone and with Rapamycin

(The Interventions Testing Program (ITP) is a peer-reviewed program designed to identify agents that extend lifespan and healthspan in mice)

‍

Key trials: 

‍https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/acel.12898

Acarbose improves health and lifespan in aging HET3 mice

‍https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ProvidedDocs/93/NCT02953093/Prot_SAP_000.pdf

Study of Acarbose in Longevity (SAIL)

‍

Some studies and publications: 

Wu B, Yan J, Yang J, Xia Y, Li D, Zhang F, Cao H. Extension of the Life Span by Acarbose: Is It Mediated by the Gut Microbiota? Aging Dis. 2022 Jul 11;13(4):1005-1014. doi: 10.14336/AD.2022.0117. PMID: 35855337; PMCID: PMC9286917.

Jonathan J Herrera, Kaitlyn Pifer, Sean Louzon, Danielle Leander, Oliver Fiehn, Sharlene M Day, Richard A Miller, Michael Garratt, Early or Late-Life Treatment With Acarbose or Rapamycin Improves Physical Performance and Affects Cardiac Structure in Aging Mice, The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, Volume 78, Issue 3, March 2023, Pages 397–406, https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glac221

Jiang, Z., Wang, J., Imai, D. et al. Short term treatment with a cocktail of rapamycin, acarbose and phenylbutyrate delays aging phenotypes in mice. Sci Rep 12, 7300 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-11229-1

‍

Overview: Acarbose's interest for longevity stems from its ability to slow carbohydrate absorption, potentially mimicking the effects of caloric restriction, a well-documented method for extending lifespan in various organisms. By reducing post-meal spikes in blood sugar, acarbose may help minimize age-related metabolic stress, thereby potentially contributing to a longer, healthier life. However, its application for longevity in humans requires further research.

‍

Type of substance: Acarbose is an anti-diabetic drug used primarily to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by inhibiting enzymes in the intestines that break down carbohydrates, thereby slowing the digestion of sugar and reducing the rise in blood glucose levels after meals. This mechanism makes acarbose an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, used to manage blood sugar levels in conjunction with diet and exercise.

Other related: Metformin, berberine