Rankings / Longevity — Supplements
NDGA (nordihydroguaiaretic acid)
Longevity · Plant lignan / ITP geroprotector
Tier D
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades NDGA (nordihydroguaiaretic acid) as D (3.3/10) based on weak evidence, low-unknown benefit magnitude, and a med-high-risk safety profile.
One of the NIA Interventions Testing Program's positive hits: NDGA extended median lifespan in male (not female) genetically heterogeneous mice across multiple sites (Strong et al.
Typical use: No established safe human dose; chaparral supplements discouraged — Supplement (chaparral); FDA has warned against chaparral for hepatotoxicity; not approved for any longevity use.
What this is
One of the NIA Interventions Testing Program's positive hits: NDGA extended median lifespan in male (not female) genetically heterogeneous mice across multiple sites (Strong et al., Aging Cell 2008). Mechanism is debated — lipoxygenase inhibition, antioxidant activity, lower IGF-1. But the source plant (chaparral/creosote bush) has caused documented acute liver failure in humans, and the FDA has warned against chaparral supplements. No human longevity data exists. Included as a genuine geroprotector signal with a serious safety asterisk — a 'known to science, not for your stack' entry.
Mechanism
Creosote-bush (Larrea tridentata) lignan; a lipoxygenase inhibitor and antioxidant that lowers IGF-1/insulin signaling and inflammation — the proposed mechanisms behind its rodent lifespan effect
Dose & route
No established safe human dose; chaparral supplements discouraged
Citations
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Common questions
- Does NDGA (nordihydroguaiaretic acid) work?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for NDGA (nordihydroguaiaretic acid) as Weak and the benefit magnitude as low-unknown, producing an overall grade of D (3.3/10). One of the NIA Interventions Testing Program's positive hits: NDGA extended median lifespan in male (not female) genetically heterogeneous mice across multiple sites (Strong et al.
- Is NDGA (nordihydroguaiaretic acid) safe?
- NDGA (nordihydroguaiaretic acid) has a med-high risk profile in published human data. Legal status: Supplement (chaparral); FDA has warned against chaparral for hepatotoxicity; not approved for any longevity use. This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
- What is the typical dose for NDGA (nordihydroguaiaretic acid)?
- No established safe human dose; chaparral supplements discouraged
- How does NDGA (nordihydroguaiaretic acid) work?
- Creosote-bush (Larrea tridentata) lignan; a lipoxygenase inhibitor and antioxidant that lowers IGF-1/insulin signaling and inflammation — the proposed mechanisms behind its rodent lifespan effect
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.