Anti-aging Prescriptions 

GLP-1 receptor agonists (like semaglutide and liraglutide) are originally diabetes and weight loss medications but have become darlings of the longevity crowd for good reason. Large randomized trials (LEADER, SUSTAIN, REWIND) show they reduce cardiovascular events, slow the rate of kidney disease progression, lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol profiles in people with or at risk for type 2 diabetes.

Animal studies suggest GLP-1s help mop up cellular debris and reduce inflammation, two hallmarks of aging. Notably, far from harming kidneys, GLP-1s protect kidneys: they lower albuminuria, slow eGFR loss, and reduce the risk of dialysis.

Longevity effects in humans are unproven, but there's real excitement for healthspan (how well you live, not just how long) and the possibility of longer lifespan. Usual annoyances include nausea and, rarely, GI upset—talk about emptying your plate for science!

Metformin is the oldest trick in the anti-aging book—used for diabetes, but studied for nearly everything. Epidemiologic data consistently shows reduced rates of cancer, heart disease, and cognitive decline in folks on metformin compared to non-users.

The proposed magic? Metformin activates AMPK, curbs inflammation, improves insulin sensitivity, and turns on autophagy (cellular recycling). Mouse studies find increased lifespan, but in humans, the evidence is less clear. The landmark TAME (Targeting Aging with Metformin) trial is underway to see if metformin delays multiple age-related diseases in non-diabetics.

Verdict: great for reducing chronic disease risk, promising for "healthspan", but not a proven fountain of youth—yet. Mild GI upset and risk of B12 deficiency are the usual sidekicks.

BPC-157 is the “biohacker’s buzzword,” a peptide discovered in gastric juice and hyped for healing injuries, reducing inflammation, and speeding up recovery—at least in rats.

Robust research in humans for longevity or true anti-aging effects? Still on the wish list. Preclinical studies hint at tissue regeneration and vessel repair, but there are no high-quality, randomized controlled human trials or long-term safety studies for aging. For now, BPC-157 remains promising for injury and recovery, but its status as an anti-aging elixir is pure (and peptide-rich) speculation.

Tretinoin is the classic “back-to-basics” approach for photo-aged skin—with more published proof than your favourite moisturizer. Randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses show topical tretinoin (0.025–0.1%) reduces wrinkles, increases skin thickness, fades dark spots, and boosts collagen in 3–12 months of continuous use.

Its magic: turning up skin cell turnover, encouraging new collagen, and evening tone. The cosmetic gains are real and measurable, but so are the side effects: expect possible redness, peeling, and a period of “retinization” as the skin adapts.

Long term, tretinoin remains the gold standard for scientifically sound skin rejuvenation—with the strongest evidence of any topical treatment.

NAD+ keeps the cell’s energy engine humming and powers DNA repair. As we age, NAD+ levels decline. Enter NAD+ precursors like NR (nicotinamide riboside) and NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide): small studies in humans show these supplements can raise NAD+ in blood, but clinical effects are modest at best.

In healthy older adults, 8–12 weeks of NMN or NR supplementation increases circulating NAD+, but does not consistently improve insulin sensitivity, muscle strength, exercise endurance, or cardiovascular health. In animal experiments, NAD+ boosters extend lifespan and support metabolic function. In humans, they are well tolerated but not proven to “turn back the clock.” If they work best in people with NAD+ deficiency or disease is still being studied.

Drawbacks include high cost, uncertain long-term benefit, and the need for more large trials to see who—if anyone—should consider these for anti-aging.

Rapamycin is the mTOR-inhibiting, autophagy-activating “rock star” of anti-aging science. Decades of animal studies show robust lifespan extension and improved healthspan. Human research is in its infancy. Early low-dose trials (like PEARL) are promising for improvements in lean body mass and markers of immune aging, but there is no proof that rapamycin extends lifespan or prevents chronic disease in healthy adults.

Clinical use is limited by side effects: immune suppression, mouth ulcers, and glucose intolerance. Critically, naturopathic doctors in BC are not permitted to prescribe rapamycin.

Currently, its use remains investigational for longevity in humans.

Glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant, is depleted by stress, illness, and age. Low glutathione is associated with increased oxidative damage and the diseases of aging. A handful of small, placebo-controlled trials show that oral glutathione (250–500 mg/day) improves skin brightness, elasticity, and wrinkle appearance in humans, mostly in women, without major side effects.

IV glutathione is a popular naturopathic treatment, but data on systemic anti-aging benefits is lacking. Some studies find higher glutathione protects against cellular aging and may improve immune function in older adults, but the gold-standard trials just aren’t there yet. Most authorities regard glutathione as safe, but bloodwork monitoring is sensible if used long-term.

D-ribose and L-carnitine are “energy assistants”—boosting ATP for cells. They’re well-studied for heart failure (improving exercise tolerance) and in chronic fatigue, with evidence for reduced soreness post-exercise and improved muscle endurance.

Direct anti-aging claims are not convincingly proven—no large studies show longer lifespan or postponed disease onset. However, in targeted patients, these supplements have niche roles in improving quality of life, stamina, and recovery. Harm is rare, but GI upset can happen.

Red light therapy (photobiomodulation) delivers specific light wavelengths to skin, stimulating mitochondria and prompting fibroblasts to produce more collagen and elastin. Dozens of studies—including randomized controlled trials—show improved wrinkles, skin tone, texture, and elasticity, often in 4–12 weeks. The evidence is robust for superficial skin aging, but there’s no proof RLT extends lifespan or systemically slows aging. For now, consider it a science-backed boost for your skin’s youthfulness—less so for your telomeres.

Stem cell therapy is the “moon landing” ambition of regenerative medicine. Cutting-edge studies show engineered stem cells can reverse signs of aging in animal models and even produce remarkable rejuvenation in non-human primates.

Early human trials support tissue repair, especially in orthopedic and cardiac diseases, but generalized anti-aging is still years away. Risks include immune reaction, tumour formation (especially with poorly regulated clinics), and high costs. Large, long-term clinical trials are underway, but for now, anti-aging claims remain speculative for elective stem cell therapy.

• GLP-1 agonists: Nausea, vomiting, rare pancreatitis, gallbladder disease and contraindicated in individuals with a history of thyroid cancer. 

• Metformin: GI side effects, rare lactic acidosis (with severe kidney dysfunction), B12 deficiency. 

• Rapamycin: Immune suppression, oral ulcers, impaired wound healing, elevation in cholesterol/triglycerides, and glucose intolerance. 

• Peptides: Lack of long-term safety data; unregulated supply increases the risk. 

• Tretinoin: Skin irritation, peeling, increased sun sensitivity. 

• NAD+ precursors: Well tolerated in studies up to 12 weeks, but no safety data for long-term use. 

• Glutathione: Safe in short-term trials, occasional mild increases in liver enzymes. 

• Mitochondrial supplements: Usually mild GI symptoms; rare allergy or idiosyncratic reaction.