Question 276 of 433
What about rapamycin, acarbose, and low-dose lithium?
The short answer
Promises, not proof.
Rapamycin is the most consistent life-extending drug in animals. In its largest human trial it missed its main goal. See Part 18.
Acarbose, a diabetes drug that slows the absorption of starch, extends life in mice. In a trial of 6,500 people with heart disease and prediabetes it did not reduce heart events, though it delayed diabetes. It causes gas.
Lithium in very low doses is being studied for brain protection after striking results in mice. No human trial has shown benefit, and lithium can harm the kidneys and thyroid.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
PRECLINICAL / LIMITED OR NEGATIVE HUMAN DATA — Candidate anti-aging use; benefits and harms differ by drug.Evidence grade (draft mapping)DPreclinical / mechanisticPart 19, Q276 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.