In the modern scientific community, geroprotectors are considered substances that may slow the processes of aging and improve quality of life. This category includes vitamins, dietary supplements, and medications aimed at supporting overall health.
The search for and study of geroprotectors has been ongoing for decades. To date, scientists have identified around 200 potential geroprotectors, most of which are currently tested on animals whose physiology is relatively close to that of humans. The results of these studies allow researchers to estimate possible effects in humans.
It is important to understand that no geroprotector has yet been proven to dramatically slow aging. The primary effect of these substances is to support health, improve quality of life, and reduce the risk of age-related diseases. In other words, they help the body function better but do not make people immortal.
Geroprotectors are typically classified according to their origin and mechanism of action.
The list of geroprotectors is constantly updated as new scientific studies and clinical data become available.
| Substance | Purpose | Description |
| Metformin | Blood sugar control; used for type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, obesity | One of the most studied geroprotectors. In older adults, it has been associated with about a 30% lower cancer risk. |
| Rapamycin | Antifungal and antibiotic; used after organ transplantation | Experiments in yeast, fruit flies, and mice have shown lifespan extension, mimicking the effects of calorie restriction. |
| Melatonin | Sleep hormone; used for circadian rhythm disorders | Reduced mortality in mice by about 7% in experimental studies. |
| Ramipril / Enalapril | Blood pressure control | Use in laboratory studies increased the lifespan of mice by up to 40%. |
| Vitamin D | Calcium metabolism, bone health | Slows telomere shortening, reduces cellular aging, and may increase testosterone levels in men. In nematodes, lifespan increased by 40%, while mouse mortality decreased by about 7%. |
| Vitamin K (MK-7) | Heart, bone, dental, and brain health; prevention of cancer and diabetes | Associated with a 46% reduction in all-cause mortality in some studies and may slow cellular aging. |
| Magnesium | Cardiovascular stability and metabolic regulation | Helps slow cellular aging and reduce the risk of age-related diseases. |
| Glucosamine sulfate | Reduces systemic inflammation; used for joint conditions | Increased the lifespan of mice by about 15% in studies. |
The effects of geroprotectors are primarily supportive rather than transformative. They do not fundamentally alter the biological mechanisms of aging but may help to:
Geroprotectors represent a promising and rapidly developing area of research. They help combat age-related changes in the body, improve quality of life, and provide a foundation for further scientific exploration in slowing the aging process.
Although no medication currently guarantees a long-term anti-aging effect, research and clinical trials continue. Emerging technologies — including senolytics and genetic approaches — may open real opportunities for extending healthy longevity in the future.