Metformin

—

evidence score

other

Prescription Only

metformin HClGlucophageGlucophage XR+1 more

Metformin is the world's most prescribed diabetes drug and an emerging longevity medicine. The TAME trial (Targeting Aging with MEtformin, funded by NIA) is the first FDA-approved clinical trial to target aging itself as a disease endpoint. Retrospective data consistently shows diabetics on metformin outlive non-diabetic controls not on metformin, suggesting aging-independent benefits. Mechanisms include AMPK activation (caloric restriction mimetic), mTOR inhibition, NF-kB suppression, and gut microbiome reshaping. Benefits extend to cancer prevention (reduces incidence by 30-40% in large observational studies), cardiovascular disease, and potentially neurodegenerative diseases. Extremely well characterized safety profile over 60+ years. Off-label longevity use growing rapidly.

Evidence

No score yet

Safety

Unknown safety profile

Clinical Status

No formal phase listed

Research Sync

Not synced yet

Dosing

Typical

1000 mg

500 mgRange2000 mg

Frequency1-2x/day with meals

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Pharmacology

Half-life~6.5 hours

OnsetGlycemic effects 1-2 weeks; longevity-relevant effects chronic (months-years)

DurationOngoing with daily dosing

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

Metformin 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

AMPK activation via complex I inhibition; mTOR inhibition downstream; NF-kB suppression; GLP-1 secretion enhancement; gut microbiome modification (increases Akkermansia)

Practical Context

Strongest current signals

No indexed study summaries yet.

Elevated caution signals

1 severe/high side effect flag