The Science Behind Our Products
Our Research-Backed Formulations
At 199 Longevity, we develop products based on cutting-edge research in longevity science. Each of our formulations targets specific biological pathways associated with aging, with the goal of supporting healthier, more vibrant lives.
Explore the science behind our products below. We believe in transparency about our ingredients and their mechanisms of action, so you can make informed decisions about your health.
Procyanidin C1 Senolytic Complex (PCC1™)
Procyanidins are a class of polyphenol compounds composed of flavan-3-ol subunits (such as catechins and epicatechins) linked together. They are abundant in many plant-based foods including grape seeds, apples, cinnamon, and cocoa, making them natural components of the human diet for thousands of years.
Procyanidin C1 (PCC1) is a specific type of trimeric procyanidin with remarkable health properties. Research published in Nature Metabolism (2021) demonstrated that PCC1 has potent effects on cellular aging through two key mechanisms: senolytic and senomorphic activity.
Understanding Senolytic & Senomorphic Activity
Senolytic
Senolytics are compounds that can selectively eliminate senescent cells (aging "zombie" cells) through programmed cell death while sparing healthy cells. This helps remove harmful cells that secrete inflammatory compounds.
Senomorphic
Senomorphics don't kill senescent cells but instead modify their behavior to reduce the harmful inflammatory signals they produce (the Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype or SASP), decreasing their negative impact on surrounding tissues.
Mechanism of Action
PCC1 works through several biological pathways to support cellular health:
- Selective Elimination of Senescent Cells: PCC1 can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in senescent cells while sparing healthy cells.
- Inhibition of PI3K/AKT Pathway: Research suggests PCC1 blocks this key survival pathway in senescent cells, which is more potent than the commonly studied senolytic combination of dasatinib and quercetin (D+Q).
- Reduction of SASP: PCC1 significantly reduces the secretion of inflammatory compounds by senescent cells, including interleukins IL-6, IL-8, and TGF-β, which are major drivers of chronic inflammation.
- Antioxidant Activity: As a polyphenol, PCC1 also exhibits antioxidant properties that can help combat oxidative stress.
Human-Relevant Research
Unlike many experimental compounds, procyanidins have a long history of human consumption and safety. Research has demonstrated several concrete benefits of PCC1:
- Improved physical function in aged animal models
- Enhanced cardiovascular parameters
- Reduced biomarkers of inflammation (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α)
- Improved cellular stress resistance
- Extended lifespan in animal models by approximately 9-11%
The 2021 Nature Metabolism study showed that PCC1 was more effective than other senolytics in some contexts. Animals treated with PCC1 demonstrated significantly improved physical function and increased median lifespan. Most remarkably, when looking at mice that were already 24 months old (equivalent to a ~70-year-old human), their remaining lifespan was extended by over 60% compared to controls.
Lifespan Extension Data
Fig 1a: Survival curves of aged mice (24-27 months old) treated with PCC1 or vehicle control. The blue line represents PCC1-treated mice and shows significantly improved survival compared to controls (black line).
Fig 1b: Mortality hazard analysis showing 65% reduction in mortality risk with biweekly PCC1 administration compared to the control group.
Key Finding: Mice receiving PCC1 administration (once every two weeks or biweekly) starting at 24–27 months of age (roughly equivalent to an age of 75–90 years in humans) had a 64.2% longer median post-treatment lifespan (or 9.4% longer overall lifespan) and lower mortality hazard (65.0%, P < 0.0001) than the vehicle-treated group, as shown in the figures above.
Key Research on Procyanidin C1
Here are the most significant studies on Procyanidin C1 (PCC1) demonstrating its effects on lifespan, senescence, and age-related diseases:
Xu et al., 2021
The flavonoid procyanidin C1 has senotherapeutic activity and increases lifespan in mice
Xu, Q., Fu, Q., Li, Z., Liu, H., Wang, Y., Lin, X., … & Xu, H. (2021). The flavonoid procyanidin C1 has senotherapeutic activity and increases lifespan in mice. Nature Metabolism, 3(12), 1706–1726.
DOI: 10.1038/s42255-021-00491-8
Summary: The landmark study published in Nature Metabolism that first demonstrated PCC1's ability to extend lifespan in mice by approximately 9.4% overall, with a 64.2% longer post-treatment lifespan when started in aged mice. The paper established PCC1's mechanism as both senolytic and senomorphic.
Liu et al., 2024
Senolytic flavonoid procyanidin C1 rejuvenates retinal function in aging mice
Liu, Y., Wu, H., Nie, Q., Zhang, X., Yu, L., Wang, Y., … & Jiang, C. (2024). Senolytic flavonoid procyanidin C1 rejuvenates retinal function in aging mice. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), 121(8), e2312270121.
Summary: This recent study from PNAS demonstrates that PCC1 can rejuvenate retinal function in aging mice by targeting senescent cells in the retina, showing potential benefits for age-related vision decline.
Shao et al., 2024
Procyanidin C1 attenuates pulmonary fibrosis by selectively eliminating senescent cells
Shao, H., Zhang, R., Yan, J., Zhang, J., Wang, X., Qin, Y., … & Liu, Z. (2024). Procyanidin C1 attenuates pulmonary fibrosis by selectively eliminating senescent cells. The FASEB Journal, 38(3), e23080.
Summary: Research published in The FASEB Journal showing that PCC1's senolytic properties can reduce pulmonary fibrosis by eliminating senescent cells in lung tissue, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for certain respiratory conditions.
Park et al., 2014
Vascular endothelial function is influenced by procyanidin trimer C1 from grape seeds
Park, E., Edirisinghe, I., Wei, H., Vijayakumar, L. P., & Burton-Freeman, B. (2014). Vascular endothelial function is influenced by procyanidin trimer C1 from grape seeds. Journal of Medicinal Food, 17(11), 1176–1183.
Summary: Earlier research documenting PCC1's beneficial effects on vascular endothelial function, showing potential cardiovascular benefits beyond the senotherapeutic effects discovered later.
Bae et al., 2020
Procyanidin C1 inhibits melanoma cell growth via activation of the 67-kDa laminin receptor signaling pathway
Bae, J., Kumazoe, M., Yamashita, S., Tachibana, H. (2020). Procyanidin C1 inhibits melanoma cell growth via activation of the 67-kDa laminin receptor signaling pathway. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 68(18), 5285–5292.
Summary: Research showing PCC1's potential anticancer properties through a specific cellular signaling pathway, indicating that its benefits may extend beyond direct senolytic effects to include other protective mechanisms.
Recent 2024 research has also demonstrated benefits for retinal aging by targeting senescent cells, showing PCC1's potential for supporting eye health during aging.
Key Benefits
- Targets cellular senescence more effectively than D+Q
- Reduces key inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-8, TGF-β)
- Demonstrated lifespan extension in research studies
- Natural food-derived compound with established safety
- Dual action: both senolytic and senomorphic properties
NMN+Astaxanthin
Our NMN+Astaxanthin formula combines two powerful compounds that work synergistically to support cellular energy production and protection against oxidative stress, addressing multiple aspects of cellular aging.
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN)
NMN is a direct precursor to NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide), a critical coenzyme found in all living cells. NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, which impacts cellular energy production, DNA repair, and cellular signaling.
Recent clinical studies in humans have shown that NMN supplementation:
- Increases NAD+ levels in various tissues
- Improves insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
- Enhances mitochondrial function and energy production
- Supports cellular repair mechanisms
- Promotes metabolic health
NMN and Cellular Senescence
Research has uncovered a critical link between NAD+ decline, cellular senescence, and aging through a protein called CD38. As we age, senescent cells accumulate and release inflammatory factors (SASP), which induce the expression of CD38 in immune cells, particularly macrophages.
CD38 functions as an NADase enzyme that consumes NAD+, creating a vicious cycle:
- Senescent cells release inflammatory factors
- These factors increase CD38 expression in nearby cells
- CD38 depletes NAD+ levels
- Reduced NAD+ contributes to further cellular dysfunction and senescence
By supplementing with NMN, we can help counteract this age-related NAD+ decline, potentially breaking this cycle and supporting healthier cellular function even in the presence of senescent cells.
Key Clinical Research on NMN
Here are some of the most influential human studies on Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN):
Yoshino et al., 2021
NAD+ Intermediates: The Biology and Therapeutic Potential of NMN and NR
Yoshino, J., Baur, J. A., & Imai, S. (2021). NAD+ Intermediates: The Biology and Therapeutic Potential of NMN and NR. Cell Metabolism, 33(5), 1071–1087.
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2021.03.013
Summary: This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial evaluated the effects of NMN supplementation on metabolic function in postmenopausal women with prediabetes who were overweight or obese. The study found that 10 weeks of NMN supplementation (250 mg/day) increased muscle insulin sensitivity, insulin signaling, and remodeling.
Irie et al., 2020
Effect of oral intake of nicotinamide mononucleotide on clinical parameters and nicotinamide metabolite levels in healthy Japanese men
Irie, J., Inagaki, E., Fujita, M., Nakaya, H., & Irie, J. (2020). Effect of oral intake of nicotinamide mononucleotide on clinical parameters and nicotinamide metabolite levels in healthy Japanese men. Endocrine Journal, 67(2), 153–160.
DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.EJ19-0313
Summary: This study assessed the safety of a single oral dose of NMN (100, 250, and 500 mg) in healthy men. The results indicated that NMN was well-tolerated with no adverse effects, suggesting its safety for human consumption.
Igarashi et al., 2022
Effect of oral administration of nicotinamide mononucleotide on clinical parameters and muscle strength in healthy elderly men
Irie, J., Inagaki, E., Fujita, M., Nakaya, H., Mitsuishi, M., Yamaguchi, S., … & Yoshino, J. (2020). Effect of oral administration of nicotinamide mononucleotide on clinical parameters and muscle strength in healthy elderly men. Frontiers in Aging, 1, Article 1.
Summary: This placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of NMN supplementation (250 mg/day) over 6–12 weeks in healthy older men (65+ years). The findings demonstrated that NMN elevated blood NAD+ levels and led to measurable improvements in muscle function, including better performance on physical tests such as the 30-second chair stand, walking speed, and grip strength.
Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is one of nature's most powerful antioxidants, with an antioxidant capacity 100-500 times higher than vitamin E and 10 times more potent than beta-carotene. It's derived from microalgae and gives salmon and flamingos their distinctive pink coloration.
The molecular structure of astaxanthin features a unique configuration that allows it to span cellular membranes, providing protection from both inside and outside the cell.
Key Clinical Research on Astaxanthin
Here are some of the most influential human studies on Astaxanthin:
Yoshida et al., 2010
Administration of natural astaxanthin increases serum HDL-cholesterol and adiponectin in subjects with mild hyperlipidemia
Yoshida, H., Yanai, H., Ito, K., Tomono, Y., & Tada, N. (2010). Administration of natural astaxanthin increases serum HDL-cholesterol and adiponectin in subjects with mild hyperlipidemia. Atherosclerosis, 209(2), 520–523.
DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2009.10.012
Summary: This randomized, placebo-controlled study examined the effects of astaxanthin supplementation (6, 12, and 18 mg/day) over 12 weeks in 61 non-obese subjects with mild hyperlipidemia. The results showed that astaxanthin improved blood lipid profiles by reducing triglycerides and increasing HDL-cholesterol levels.
Nakagawa et al., 2011
Antioxidant effect of astaxanthin on phospholipid peroxidation in human erythrocytes
Nakagawa, K., Kiko, T., Miyazawa, T., & Miyazawa, T. (2011). Antioxidant effect of astaxanthin on phospholipid peroxidation in human erythrocytes. British Journal of Nutrition, 105(11), 1563–1571.
DOI: 10.1017/S0007114510005398
Summary: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessed the efficacy of 12-week astaxanthin supplementation (6 or 12 mg/day) on phospholipid hydroperoxide (PLOOH) levels in erythrocytes of middle-aged and senior subjects. The study found that astaxanthin supplementation reduced erythrocyte PLOOH concentrations, indicating its antioxidant effect.
Sekikawa et al., 2020
Effect of astaxanthin and vitamin E supplementation on cognitive function: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Sekikawa, T., Kizawa, Y., Li, Y., & Takara, T. (2020). Effect of astaxanthin and vitamin E supplementation on cognitive function: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, 67(1), 35–47.
DOI: 10.3164/jcbn.19-92
Summary: This 12-week placebo-controlled study evaluated the effects of astaxanthin (12 mg/day) combined with tocotrienol (vitamin E) on cognitive function in older adults with age-related memory complaints. The results indicated significant improvements in composite memory and verbal memory scores in the treatment group compared to placebo.
Key benefits of Astaxanthin supported by human clinical trials include:
- Superior antioxidant protection, neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress
- Ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, providing neurological benefits
- Support for skin health and photoprotection
- Cardiovascular benefits through improved lipid profiles
- Protection against UV-induced cellular damage
- Anti-inflammatory effects through modulation of inflammatory pathways
The Synergistic Combination
By combining NMN and Astaxanthin, our formula addresses both energy production and oxidative stress - two critical factors in cellular aging. While NMN helps restore declining NAD+ levels to support cellular metabolism and repair mechanisms, Astaxanthin provides powerful protection against oxidative damage that can contribute to cellular senescence.
Key Benefits
- Supports cellular energy production
- Provides powerful antioxidant protection (100-500× more potent than Vitamin E)
- Supports mitochondrial health
- Promotes healthy aging processes
- Counters CD38-mediated NAD+ depletion
Agequant NAD+ Test Kit
The Agequant NAD+ Test Kit provides a scientific way to measure your NAD+ levels, giving you valuable insights into your cellular health and aging process. This at-home test requires less blood than other similar products on the market, making it more comfortable and convenient while still providing laboratory-grade results within just 72 hours.
Why Measure NAD+ Levels?
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a critical coenzyme found in all living cells. It plays a key role in:
- Energy metabolism and mitochondrial function
- DNA repair and genomic stability
- Cellular signaling and immune response
- Regulation of circadian rhythms
- Activation of sirtuins, proteins linked to longevity
NAD+ levels naturally decline with age—plummeting by approximately 50% by middle age. This decline is associated with many hallmarks of aging, including reduced energy production, impaired DNA repair, and metabolic dysfunction. By measuring your NAD+ levels, you can:
- Establish your baseline NAD+ status
- Track changes over time
- Evaluate the effectiveness of NAD+-boosting supplements
- Make more informed decisions about your health regimen
How The Test Works
The Agequant NAD+ Test Kit uses a simple blood spot collection method that requires significantly less blood than traditional tests:
- Collect a small blood sample using the provided finger-prick device
- Apply the sample to the specialized collection card
- Mail the sample to our laboratory using the pre-paid return envelope
- Receive your results and personalized report within 72 hours
The laboratory uses advanced technology to accurately measure NAD+ and related metabolites in your sample, with a 99.1% correlation to gold-standard LC-MS/MS measurements.
Fig 1: Bland-Altman analysis confirming no significant bias between Agequant's method and LC-MS/MS.
Fig 2: High correlation (98.6%) between finger-stick capillary samples and traditional venous blood draws.
Fig 3: Validation showing 99.1% correlation between Agequant's test and gold-standard LC-MS/MS measurements.
Key Research on NAD+ Testing
Our NAD+ testing technology is backed by scientific research and validation studies:
Azouaoui et al., 2023
Meta-analysis of NAD(P)(H) quantification results exhibits variability across mammalian tissues
Azouaoui, D. et al. Meta-analysis of NAD(P)(H) quantification results exhibits variability across mammalian tissues. Scientific Reports, 2023, 13, 2464.
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29607-8
Summary: This meta-analysis explored the variability in NAD+ measurements across different tissues, highlighting the importance of standardized testing methods for accurate NAD+ quantification.
Brunnbauer et al., 2018
The nanomolar sensing of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide in human plasma using a cycling assay in albumin modified simulated body fluids
Brunnbauer, P. et al. The nanomolar sensing of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide in human plasma using a cycling assay in albumin modified simulated body fluids. Scientific Reports, 2018, 8, 16110.
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34350-6
Summary: This study established a sensitive method for detecting nanomolar concentrations of NAD+ in human plasma, laying groundwork for the development of reliable NAD+ testing technologies.
Balashova et al., 2022
Efficient Assay and Marker Significance of NAD⁺ in Human Blood
Balashova, N. et al. Efficient Assay and Marker Significance of NAD⁺ in Human Blood. Frontiers in Medicine, 2022, 9:886485.
Summary: This research validated an efficient assay for measuring NAD+ in human blood and established its significance as a biomarker, supporting the use of NAD+ measurements for health assessment.
Wang et al., 2023
Fingerstick blood assay maps real-world NAD⁺ disparity across gender and age
Wang, P. et al. Fingerstick blood assay maps real-world NAD⁺ disparity across gender and age. Aging Cell, 2023, 22:e13965.
DOI: 10.1111/acel.13965
Summary: This important study validated the use of fingerstick blood samples for NAD+ testing, demonstrating variations in NAD+ levels across different demographics. This research directly supports the Agequant NAD+ Test Kit's approach of using minimal blood from fingerstick collection.
Smith et al., 2023
Measurement of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide from Dried Blood Spot Cards
Smith, S.E. et al. Measurement of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide from Dried Blood Spot Cards (Revvity Omics and NADmed joint study). Poster/White Paper, 2023.
Summary: This joint study validated the methodology of measuring NAD+ from dried blood spot cards, showing high correlation with traditional testing methods while requiring significantly less blood sample volume.
What You'll Learn
- Your current NAD+ levels
- How your results compare to others in your age group
- Personalized recommendations based on your results
- Insights into your cellular health status