Collections · Evidence-graded
Human RCT Evidence
Ingredients with at least 10 published human randomized controlled trials
How it works
A randomized controlled trial (RCT) is the gold standard of clinical evidence — it controls for placebo effects, confounders, and selection bias in ways observational studies cannot. The compounds below have all cleared the 10-RCT threshold, providing a minimum evidence floor that preclinical-only compounds cannot match. Most have 100+ RCTs.
Evidence overview
Every ingredient in this collection has at least 10 published human RCTs in PubMed, filtered from our 52-ingredient evidence library. The count reflects trials tagged by PubMed's publication-type system. Includes both Western molecules and Eastern herbs that have reached human trial volume.
Among the most-trialed supplements in medicine, with emerging evidence on biological-age slowing.
The diabetes drug at the center of the longevity debate — and the TAME trial designed to test aging itself.
A cofactor for hundreds of enzymes, widely under-consumed, tied to sleep, metabolic, and DNA-repair pathways.
A foundational hormone-vitamin where deficiency is common and consequential for aging health.
The single most reproducible lifespan-extending molecule in animals — a prescription drug under off-label longevity study.
A conditionally essential amino acid that becomes deficient with age and suppresses mTORC1 — extended median lifespan 28% in NIH mice studies.
Beyond sleep: melatonin is a potent mitochondrial antioxidant whose production declines ~80% from youth to old age.
The simplest and cheapest NAD+ precursor — with extensive human trial data in skin aging and DNA repair.
The gold-standard glutathione precursor — a medical-grade antioxidant now recognized as key to correcting age-related glutathione depletion.
The mitochondrial electron carrier that declines with age and statin use — with cardiovascular trial support.
A turmeric polyphenol with one of the largest trial bases in nutraceuticals, studied for inflammation, autophagy and healthspan — bioavailability is the catch.
The most-studied tea catechin, linked to lifespan and healthspan in models via AMPK, sirtuin and FOXO pathways.
An amino acid whose decline was linked to aging in a high-profile 2023 study — with human causality still open.
The dark chocolate flavonoid linked to myostatin inhibition, cardiovascular protection, and mitochondrial biogenesis in human trials.
The archetypal adaptogen; ginsenoside-rich extracts extend healthspan in model organisms via mitochondrial and stress pathways.
A mitochondrial cofactor active in both fat and water — the only antioxidant that regenerates glutathione, vitamin C, and vitamin E simultaneously.
The grape-and-knotweed polyphenol that launched the sirtuin era of longevity research.
A widespread dietary flavonoid, studied as a senolytic partner (with dasatinib) and anti-inflammatory.
A potent methyl donor that clears homocysteine, sustains the SAM methylation cycle, and is increasingly paired with NMN in longevity stacks.
A gut-derived HDAC inhibitor that extends lifespan in multiple animal models, promotes autophagy, and supports intestinal barrier integrity.
One of the most evidence-backed supplements anywhere — for muscle, and increasingly for the aging brain.
An endogenous dipeptide that chelates metals, quenches reactive carbonyls, and inhibits protein glycation — key anti-aging mechanisms.
An alkaloid from Chinese herbs (Coptis / Huang Lian) with human RCTs on metabolic health and an AMPK/sirtuin longevity rationale.
A TCA-cycle metabolite that suppresses mTOR, co-factors DNA demethylation, and showed biological-age reduction in a 2023 human RCT.
The structural phospholipid of neuronal membranes — the only supplement with an FDA-qualified health claim for cognitive function.
The most potent carotenoid antioxidant — spans lipid bilayers and crosses the blood-brain barrier, with human trials in skin, eye, and cognition.
A foundational Qi tonic whose cycloastragenol fraction (TA-65) is studied for telomerase activation — with honestly mixed human evidence.
The most potent known NRF2 activator, from broccoli, with human trials in cancer chemoprevention and neuroprotection.
A high-altitude adaptogen with human trials on fatigue and stress — and a foothold in both Eastern and Western tradition.
A neolignan from Magnolia bark that directly activates SIRT3, crosses the blood-brain barrier, and shows anxiolytic and anti-tumor effects.
Ayurveda's premier Rasayana tonic — now one of the most RCT-backed adaptogens for stress, cortisol, testosterone, and cognitive aging.
A medicinal mushroom whose PSK/PSP polysaccharides have the strongest clinical record in immune oncology support.
A fasting-mimicking polyamine that triggers autophagy and extends lifespan across species.
Yunnan's best-evidenced longevity herb — cardiovascular protection, anti-inflammation, and blood-flow support with 200+ registered clinical trials.
Prized Yunnan–Tibet tonic fungus studied for mitochondrial energy, VO₂ max, and immune modulation — one of TCM's most valuable longevity tonics.
The classic Chinese longevity berry, rich in polysaccharides and carotenoids studied for eye, immune, and oxidative health.
Siberian ginseng — a classical TCM adaptogen with decades of Soviet and East Asian research on stress resilience, immune function, and endurance.
A rhizomatous orchid prized in Yunnan for neuroprotection, dizziness relief, and cognitive support — gastrodin crosses the blood-brain barrier directly.
The leading NMN alternative — a direct NAD+ precursor with multiple RCTs confirming it safely raises NAD+ levels in humans.
The bioactive of Huang Qin (Scute), a cornerstone TCM anti-inflammatory herb — studied for SIRT1, AMPK, and neuroinflammation pathways.
The classic Chinese longevity mushroom; emerging research connects its triterpenes to anti-aging and α-Klotho signalling.
A gut-derived metabolite that triggers mitophagy — with human trials on muscle and mitochondrial function.
The “five-flavor berry,” an adaptogen studied for liver protection, stress resilience, and cellular defense.
The headline NAD+ booster of the longevity world — human trials show it raises blood NAD+ and may support physical function.
A flavone from parsley and chamomile that inhibits CD38 (NADase) — preserving NAD+ through a complementary mechanism to NMN or NR.
A Yunnan 'immortality herb' reputed to nourish yin, strengthen qi and benefit the kidneys — modern data suggests anti-aging, blood sugar, and immune effects.
“Southern ginseng,” a Chinese herb whose gypenosides activate AMPK — the metabolic longevity pathway.
Sourcing & due diligence
Need sourcing help or a custom evidence dossier?
We map suppliers to ingredients in our directory. For deeper analysis — mechanism review, supplier vetting, or a claims-substantiation dossier — our research service starts at $499.