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Small MoleculeApproved

Metformin

met-FOR-meen

Research profile · How we handle evidence

Category

Small Molecule

Compound type

Phase / Status

Approved

FDA approved. Generic dirt cheap. TAME trial testing anti-aging effects. One of the most studied drugs on earth.

Standard Dose

500-2000mg

1-2x daily with meals

Half-life

6.5 hours

Plasma elimination

Route(s)

OR

Oral

Research Stage

Market Approved

Regulatory approval granted; post-market monitoring ongoing.

Overview

Metformin helps lower blood glucose and improve insulin sensitivity. Many people start on a lower dose and take it with food to improve stomach tolerance, and side effects like nausea or diarrhea often improve over time. Any ‘longevity’ use should be discussed with a clinician since the evidence for aging-related effects is not yet definitive.

Plain-language summary

Metformin helps lower blood glucose and improve insulin sensitivity. Many people start on a lower dose and take it with food to improve stomach tolerance, and side effects like nausea or diarrhea often improve over time. Any ‘longevity’ use should be discussed with a clinician since the evidence for aging-related effects is not yet definitive.

Administration Routes

  • Oral

Also known as

Glucophagethe longevity pillFrench lilacMet

Mechanisms

1

Biguanide - activates AMPK (the cellular energy sensor), inhibits mitochondrial complex I, reduces liver glucose production. Basically forces cells to burn fuel more efficiently.

Detailed mechanism

Biguanide - activates AMPK, inhibits mitochondrial complex I, reduces hepatic glucose production. Modulates cellular energy metabolism to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose utilization.

Safety

Side effects

  • GI distress (diarrhea, nausea) - usually temporary
  • Metallic taste in mouth
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency with long-term use
  • Lactic acidosis (rare but serious)
  • Take with food to reduce gut issues

Reported benefits

  • Lowers blood sugar effectively
  • May improve insulin sensitivity
  • Potential anti-aging effects being studied
  • Helps with modest weight management
  • Cardiovascular benefits
  • Decades of safety data

Safety profile

Well-characterized safety profile from 60+ years of clinical use. Monitor kidney function and B12 levels.

Clinical trials

Completed clinical trials leading to FDA approval. TAME trial ongoing for anti-aging indication.

Structure

View 3D structure

Verified structure

Metformin

Exact 2D structure can be rendered from a PubChem-backed canonical SMILES string.

Verified via PubChemMatched by casNumber
Source: PubChemLookup: 1115-70-4InChIKey XZWYZXLIPXDOLR-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Chemical Formula
C4H11N5
Molecular Weight
165.63 g/mol
CAS Number
1115-70-4
InChIKey
XZWYZXLIPXDOLR-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Stack Context

Stacks with

ResveratrolFisetinNMN/NR

Comparison context

Unlike berberine, which also activates AMPK but barely gets absorbed, metformin actually reaches systemic circulation at therapeutic doses. Compared to semaglutide, metformin doesn't cause significant weight loss, it's a gentle metabolic stabilizer, not an appetite killer. Rapamycin also targets longevity but through mTOR inhibition rather than AMPK; metformin is far safer for long-term use.

References

  1. 1

    Metformin and longevity: a review of mechanisms and evidence (Cell Metabolism)

    2016

    View source
  2. 2

    Effect of metformin on all-cause mortality (Lancet)

    1998

    View source

This profile summarizes research literature for education only. It is not medical advice, and it does not diagnose, treat, or recommend a dose. Consult a qualified professional before changing a protocol.

Research-driven insights.Evidence-based decisions.