Rankings / Cognitive — Nootropics
Selegiline (L-deprenyl)
Cognitive · MAO-B inhibitor
Tier C
What this is
Popular "off-label longevity" drug since 1990s (Knoll hypothesis). Kitt Peak beagle dog study suggested lifespan extension. Human mortality benefit data limited. Still prescribed for early Parkinson's.
Mechanism
Selective irreversible MAO-B inhibitor at low doses; increases dopamine in striatum; at higher doses loses selectivity; also amphetamine metabolite
Dose & route
5-10 mg PO daily (Parkinson's); 1-2 mg/day (off-label longevity use)
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17326755/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1489376/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3100990/
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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.