Acarbose

—

evidence score

other

Prescription Only

PrecoseGlucobayalpha-glucosidase inhibitor+1 more

Acarbose is an FDA-approved alpha-glucosidase inhibitor for type 2 diabetes that delays carbohydrate digestion and blunts postprandial glucose spikes. It has become notable in longevity research through the NIA Interventions Testing Program (ITP), where it extended median lifespan in mice by 22% in males and 5% in females — one of the top-performing compounds in the most rigorous aging intervention program in existence. The mechanism is distinct from metformin: acarbose blunts glucose peaks (reducing glycemic variability and AGE formation) rather than activating AMPK. It also modifies the gut microbiome to favor Bacteroidetes and short-chain fatty acid producers. Often used in combination with metformin in longevity protocols.

Evidence

No score yet

Safety

Unknown safety profile

Clinical Status

No formal phase listed

Research Sync

Not synced yet

Dosing

Typical

100 mg

25 mgRange300 mg

Frequency3x/day with first bite of each meal

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Pharmacology

Half-life~2 hours (very low systemic absorption; acts locally in gut)

OnsetGlucose blunting immediate (with meals); microbiome changes weeks; longevity effects chronic

DurationTaken with each carbohydrate-containing meal for effect

Routes

oral

Evidence Score

—

0 studies indexed

Scoring Factors

Volume(40%)—

Quality(30%)—

Sample Size(10%)—

Consistency(10%)—

Replication(5%)—

Recency(5%)—

Evidence Levels

AScore ≥75 with at least 1 meta-analysis and 3+ RCTs

BScore ≥50 with at least 1 RCT or meta-analysis

CScore ≥25 — observational or animal evidence only

DScore <25 — very limited or preclinical data

Plain-English Snapshot

Acarbose is currently categorized as a other compound.

Evidence scoring has not been fully computed yet, so interpret this profile as preliminary.

Safety scoring is incomplete. Start conservatively and monitor carefully.

Core mechanism

Competitive inhibitor of alpha-glucosidase and pancreatic alpha-amylase in small intestine; delays breakdown of complex carbs to glucose; reduces postprandial glucose spike by 30-50%; modifies gut microbiome

Practical Context

Strongest current signals

No indexed study summaries yet.