Spice Cabinet Longevity – Thymol Triggers Mitophagy via Mitochondrial Uncoupling

News
#7

I have decided to give this a try. In the past l have used oregano as strictly an antibiotic. Now l will be using it for the uncoupling effect.

I will be using the Gaia brand. Three capsules in the morning for 5 days a week and l will try it for the 3 months.

1 Like
#8

I think this comment in the Q&A of the initial post might make it interesting to a lot of people here:

1. Is this just “Urolithin A” for poor people?
In a way, yes. Both trigger mitophagy. Urolithin A is a direct activator; Thymol acts via bioenergetic stress. Thymol is significantly cheaper but likely has a narrower safety window and more “off-target” effects (like burning your throat).

#9

Digging a little deeper on this product category:

Prompt:

Can you identify 10 higher quality products for Thyme Oil (White): ~40–50% Thymol., and 10 higher quality products for Oregano Oil: ~60–70% Carvacrol. Identify product pricing and price per 100 ML. Explain if there is a way to identify higher quality from lower quality products.

Gemini Response:

Here is the analysis of high-quality sources for White Thyme Oil (standardized to ~40–50% Thymol) and Oregano Oil (standardized to ~60–70% Carvacrol), reorganized as requested.

Important Safety Note

The products listed below are 100% Pure Essential Oils. They are caustic and highly concentrated.

  • Do not consume undiluted. It will burn the esophagus.
  • Protocol: Dilute in a carrier oil (MCT, Olive) or use enteric-coated capsules.

1. Thyme Oil (White) | ~40–50% Thymol

Target Criteria: Thymus vulgaris or Thymus zygis (ct. Thymol). Must specify “White” (Redistilled) or “ct. Thymol.” Avoid “ct. Linalool” (too weak).

Product Name Price (Approx.) Price per 100ml Notes & Quality Specs
Plant Therapy Thyme (Thymol Type) $27.00 / 30ml ~$90.00 Top Pick. Explicit “Thymol Chemotype.” Batch-specific GC/MS reports available publicly.
Edens Garden Thyme (White) $15.95 / 10ml ~$159.00 Redistilled “White” variety. Excellent purity transparency. Higher cost per ml due to small bottle size.
Mountain Rose Herbs Thyme (ct. Thymol) $36.50 / 30ml ~$121.60 Certified Organic. High-end sourcing. Explicitly labeled “ct. Thymol.”
NOW Foods White Thyme Oil $15.00 / 30ml ~$50.00 Best Value. Widely available. GC/MS verified internally. Good for bulk/daily protocols.
Aura Cacia White Thyme $13.00 / 15ml ~$86.00 Reliable retail brand. Sourced from Spain (Thymus zygis). Consistent Thymol content.
Gya Labs Thyme Essential Oil $12.99 / 10ml ~$130.00 Good entry-level option. verify it is not the “Sweet” (Linalool) version before buying.
Eden Botanicals Thyme (Org, ct. Thymol) $42.00 / 30ml ~$140.00 Connoisseur Grade. Certified Organic. Detailed analysis of Thymol content provided.
Mystic Moments White Thyme $25.00 / 100ml ~$25.00 Bulk Choice. Extremely cheap. Quality is acceptable for extraction/external, but less transparency than Plant Therapy.
SVA Organics Thyme Oil $19.00 / 118ml ~$16.00 Lowest Cost. Massive bulk size (4oz). “Therapeutic Grade” marketing. Good for large-scale DIY, but check batch tests.
Revive Thyme Essential Oil $16.00 / 15ml ~$106.00 MLM-alternative brand. Claims direct-to-consumer pricing. GC/MS verification available.

2. Oregano Oil | ~60–70% Carvacrol

Target Criteria: Origanum vulgare. 100% Pure Essential Oil (Not pre-diluted supplements). Carvacrol content often exceeds 70% in pure oils.

Product Name Price (Approx.) Price per 100ml Notes & Quality Specs
Aromavita Greek Oregano Oil $14.50 / 30ml ~$48.00 Gold Standard. Sourced from Greece (Origanum vulgare). consistently tests >86% Carvacrol. Low price for elite quality.
Telia Oils Greek Oregano $16.00 / 30ml ~$53.00 Authentic Greek sourcing. Steam distilled. High Carvacrol (>80%) guaranteed.
Plant Therapy Oregano $9.99 / 10ml ~$100.00 Reliable. Organic options available. GC/MS sheets usually show 70%+ Carvacrol.
NOW Foods Oregano Oil (Pure) $11.50 / 30ml ~$38.00 Best Value. 100% Pure (Origanum vulgare). Extremely potent. Ubiquitous availability.
Mountain Rose Herbs Oregano $22.00 / 15ml ~$146.00 Certified Organic. Very strict quality control. Origanum vulgare flowering tops.
DoTerra Oregano $37.00 / 15ml ~$246.00 Overpriced. Excellent quality and purity, but you are paying for the MLM structure. Verified >70% Carvacrol.
Edens Garden Oregano $12.95 / 10ml ~$129.00 Non-MLM alternative to DoTerra. GC/MS verified. Strong medicinal scent profile.
Revive Oregano Essential Oil $9.00 / 10ml ~$90.00 Budget option with transparency. Sourced from Turkey (standard for high Carvacrol).
Healing Solutions Oregano $7.99 / 10ml ~$80.00 Budget Amazon brand. “Purity Guarantee” but less rigorous batch reporting than Plant Therapy.
Gya Labs Oregano Oil $9.99 / 10ml ~$100.00 Standard Origanum vulgare. Good accessibility.

How to Identify Quality (The “Biohacker” Checklist)

If you are buying these for physiological effect (mitophagy/longevity) rather than just smelling nice, you must verify three data points.

1. The “Chemotype” (ct.) is Mandatory
Thyme is genetically unstable; it changes chemical composition based on where it grows.

  • High Quality: The label or website explicitly says “ct. Thymol” or “Thymol Type.” This guarantees the specific molecule (Thymol) identified in the Nature Aging paper is present at >40%.
  • Low Quality: The label just says “Thyme.” This is often “ct. Linalool” (Sweet Thyme), which is gentle, smells like flowers, and has almost zero Thymol. It will not trigger the mitohormetic effect.

2. GC/MS Batch Reports (Gas Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry)

  • High Quality: The manufacturer provides a unique batch code on the bottom of the bottle that you can type into their website (e.g., Plant Therapy, Edens Garden, Aromavita) to download a PDF showing the exact breakdown. You want to see: Thymol > 40% (for Thyme) or Carvacrol > 60% (for Oregano).
  • Low Quality: “Proprietary Blend” or no testing available. You are flying blind.

3. Latin Name Precision

  • Oregano: Must be Origanum vulgare or Origanum minutiflorum. Avoid Origanum majorana (Marjoram), which has no Carvacrol.
  • Thyme: Must be Thymus vulgaris or Thymus zygis. Avoid Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme), which is usually low in Thymol.

4. Color (Thyme Specific)

  • Red Thyme: Crude distillation. Highest Thymol, but often contains heavy metals or harsh plant matter.
  • White Thyme: Redistilled. The preferred balance of high Thymol and purity.
  • Clear/Watery (without “White” label): Suspicious. Could be synthetic or highly diluted.
2 Likes
#10

The thing to watch, however, is whether it is selective for the worse mitochondria or simply makes adequate mitochondria look so bad to the cell that it destroys them.

That’s the big issue and the evidence is that it is not really selective.

1 Like
#11

How would you test which mitochondria are be effected?

#12

The body has the system of PINK1/Parkin as well as an Optineurin version that is Parkin independent.

If we don’t see a lifespan extension from the type of mitophagy that EOs stimulate then it is not selective

1 Like
#13

When i hear about mitochondrial uncoupling, my mind goes straight to DNP; 2,4-Dinitrophenol - Wikipedia

4 Likes
#14

Kinda of a benefit l am hoping for.

#15

Protocol: Dilute in a carrier oil (MCT, Olive) or use enteric-coated capsules.
I am trying to see how to incorporate in the daily routine without adding more time and having to ingest capsules. Whats the recommended daily dose so if I were to mix with EVOO which goes into my salad and I prepare it in bulk lasting a couple of weeks at least? I am sure it will add nice flavor to mix green salad and bioavailabiltiy is perhaps enhanced. It should be stable in that carrier. Didnt want to as AI either in case someone has already figured out a smarter hack

#16

Yes - the liquids seem like a pain. So some good news…

Prompt:

Do any companies sell encapsulated (enteric coated) Thyme Oil (White): ~40–50% Thymol.,or Oregano Oil: ~60–70% Carvacrol. ?

Response:

Yes, specific products meet these criteria. Oregano Oil is widely available in enteric-coated capsules standardized to your required Carvacrol levels.

However, Thyme Oil (White, ~40–50% Thymol) is virtually non-existent as a standalone enteric-coated capsule. Most Thyme capsules are dried leaf (low Thymol). To get the high-dose Thymol for longevity without the “burn,” you have two options: a clinical-grade blend or a DIY “Biohacker” approach.

1. The Clinical “Stack” (Best Off-the-Shelf Option)

If you want both Thymol and Carvacrol in a professionally formulated softgel, this clinical gastro-intestinal formula is the closest match to the Nature Aging protocol.

Metagenics CandiBactin-AR

  • Type: Clinical-Grade Softgel (Professional Line).
  • Content:
    • Thyme Oil: 183 mg (Standardized to ~55 mg Thymol).
    • Oregano Oil: 100 mg (Standardized to ~55 mg Carvacrol).
  • Why it works: It is one of the only supplements on the market that explicitly standardizes for Thymol content. While not strictly “enteric-coated,” the softgel technology and blending with Lemon Balm/Sage are designed to stabilize the volatile oils for intestinal release.

2. Oregano Oil (Enteric Coated)

For a dedicated Oregano intervention (~55–70% Carvacrol), this is the standard-bearer for enteric delivery.

NOW Foods Oregano Oil (Enteric)

  • Type: Enteric Coated Softgel.
  • Content: 181 mg Oregano Oil.
  • Standardization: Min. 55% Carvacrol (often tests higher).
  • Why it works: The enteric coating ensures the softgel passes through the stomach acid intact and releases in the small intestine, preventing “oregano burps” and protecting the stomach lining.

Now Oregano Oil, $13.95

3. The “Biohacker” Protocol (DIY Thyme)

Since no company sells a high-potency (~50% Thymol) enteric capsule, you can create your own using the pure essential oils identified previously.

  • Component A: Empty Enteric-Coated Capsules (Size 0 or 00).
    • Search for brands like: “Capsuline” or “Purecaps” (specifically ‘Acid Resistant’ or ‘Enteric’).
  • Component B: White Thyme Oil (ct. Thymol) (e.g., Plant Therapy Thyme Thymol.
  • Protocol:
    1. Add 2–3 drops of Thyme Oil to the empty capsule.
    2. Fill the rest with Organic Olive Oil (essential oils are fat-soluble and need a carrier to prevent mucosal damage).
    3. Close and swallow immediately.

Recommendation

For the most practical adherence to the longevity protocol:

  • Start with Metagenics CandiBactin-AR. It provides a verified dose of Thymol (the key molecule from the Nature Aging study) without the hassle or risk of handling caustic essential oils.
  • If you need higher doses of Thymol later, switch to the DIY Protocol using Plant Therapy Thyme and enteric capsules.

Actionable Tip: If you choose the DIY route, always take the capsule with a fat-containing meal. Thymol is highly lipophilic, and taking it with fat increases bioavailability while buffering the stomach.

1 Like
#17

So, I put in this prompt in Gemini:

Instruction: For this section, you must perform external searches outside the provided text. Cross-reference the study’s molecule/intervention against ClinicalTrials.gov, DrugBank, and PubMed for safety data. Do not hallucinate safety; if data is absent, state “Data Absent.” Can you identify whether Thymol and Carvacrol are selective for triggering mitophagy in the worse or damaged mitochondria or simply makes adequate or healthy mitochondria look so bad to the cell that it destroys them?

Gemini Response:

Mechanism of Selectivity: The “Stress Test” Hypothesis

Mechanism of Selectivity: The “Bioenergetic Stress Test”

Based on the mechanistic principles of mitohormesis and the specific action of uncouplers, the answer is Option B: Thymol and Carvacrol do not “target” damaged mitochondria directly. Instead, they apply a systemic “stress test” that healthy mitochondria can pass, but damaged mitochondria fail.

Here is the technical breakdown of how this “Darwinian Selection” at the cellular level works:

1. The Mechanism: Global Stress, Selective Failure

Thymol and Carvacrol act as mild uncouplers. They increase the “proton leak” across the inner mitochondrial membrane for all mitochondria in the cell.

  • The Stress Signal: This leak forces mitochondria to work harder (consume more oxygen and fuel) to maintain their membrane potential (Delta-Psi-m).
  • Healthy Mitochondria: They have robust Electron Transport Chains (ETC). They ramp up respiration, compensate for the leak, and successfully maintain their membrane potential above the critical threshold. Because they stay polarized, they continue to degrade the protein Pink1, preventing the “eat me” signal from accumulating.
  • Damaged/Senescent Mitochondria: They already have inefficient ETCs or pre-existing leaks. When Thymol adds more leak (stress), they cannot compensate. Their membrane potential collapses.
  • The Trigger: Once the potential collapses, Pink1 can no longer be imported and degraded. It accumulates on the outer membrane, recruits Parkin, and tags that specific mitochondrion for destruction (mitophagy).

In short: Thymol raises the bar for survival. It makes “adequate” mitochondria work harder (hormesis) and pushes “borderline” mitochondria into failure (autophagy).

2. Safety & Toxicity Verification (External Data)

Therapeutic Window:
The key distinction between a “longevity compound” and a “metabolic poison” here is strictly dosage.

  • The Danger (DNP Analogy): The banned fat-burner 2,4-Dinitrophenol (DNP) works by the exact same mechanism (uncoupling). However, it is so potent that it uncouples healthy mitochondria too effectively, leading to a total cellular energy crisis and fatal hyperthermia (cooking from the inside).
  • Thymol/Carvacrol Safety: These are “mild” uncouplers. They have a self-limiting quality where they induce stress without easily causing total depolarization in healthy tissue at dietary doses.

Toxicology Data (Cross-Reference):

  • LD50 (Lethal Dose): The acute oral LD50 of Thymol in mice is approximately 640 mg/kg to 980 mg/kg. This is a relatively wide safety margin compared to the HED (Human Equivalent Dose) calculated earlier (~3.2 mg/kg).
  • Hepatotoxicity: While generally safe, extremely high doses (near the LD50) cause liver damage. The mechanism implies that if you take too much, you run the risk of hepatic energy depletion.
  • Human Safety: No specific clinical trials exist for “Thymol-induced mitophagy,” but the compounds are GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA for food use. This suggests the “chronic low dose” strategy is viable, whereas acute high doses carry risk of mucosal irritation and liver stress.

3. Summary Table: Selectivity Profile

Feature Direct Targeters (e.g., Antibodies) Mild Uncouplers (Thymol/Carvacrol)
Action Binds specific marker on bad mito. Increases proton leak in all mito.
Selectivity Source Molecular recognition. Bioenergetic Capacity.
Outcome Removes tagged targets. Removes the weak; Strengthens the strong.
Risk Low off-target toxicity. Dose-dependent toxicity (Energy crisis).

Conclusion

Thymol does not “know” which mitochondria are bad. It simply makes the environment tougher for all of them. The “bad” ones reveal themselves by failing, while the “good” ones get stronger (adaptation). This is the definition of Mitohormesis.

#18

This only works, however, if all mitochondria are affected. If only some are then selection is skewed. The test is a lifespan experiment.

1 Like
#19

To date, there is no standard, longitudinal Kaplan-Meier survival study (the gold standard in longevity research) examining pure Thymol as the sole active ingredient in wild-type, healthy mammals (mice or rats) that demonstrates an extension of maximum lifespan.

If you are looking for a “clean” longevity signal—where a control group dies of natural causes and the Thymol group lives statistically longer—it does not exist in the current literature.

What does exist is a mix of “dirty” data: studies on accelerated aging models, essential oil mixtures (where Thymol is one of many compounds), and biomarker studies that imply healthspan benefits without proving lifespan extension.

Here is the breakdown of the data as a Biotech specialist would evaluate it.

1. Mammalian Data: The “Almost” Studies

The current data points to healthspan (living healthier) rather than lifespan (living longer), and often relies on models that don’t represent normal human aging.

Study Type Subject Finding Critique / Flaw
Accelerated Aging SAMP8 Mice (Senescence-Accelerated Mouse Prone 8) Thymol delayed “biological aging” (measured by epigenetic clocks) and prevented sarcopenia (muscle loss). Not a longevity study. SAMP8 mice are a model of disease/defect, not normal aging. “Delaying biological aging” markers $\neq$ extending maximum chronological lifespan.
Mixture Study C57BL/6J Mice (Wild Type) Thyme Essential Oil (TEO) diet increased survival rates and telomere length. Dirty compound. TEO contains Thymol (~40-50%), but also p-cymene, carvacrol, and other terpenes. We cannot isolate Thymol as the causative agent for the survival benefit.
Cross-Sectional Rats (28 months old) Thymol supplementation maintained antioxidant enzyme levels (SOD, glutathione peroxidase) in the brain. No survival curve. This was a “snapshot” study. They looked at rats that were already old and found they had better biomarkers, but did not track if they actually lived longer than controls.

2. Invertebrate Data: Conflicting Signals

In lower organisms, the data is contradictory and context-dependent. It suggests Thymol acts more like an antimicrobial or a mild toxin (hormetic stressor) than a true geroprotector.

  • Roundworms (C. elegans): Thymol extends lifespan only during infection. When worms are infected with the fungus C. albicans, Thymol acts as an antifungal, keeping the worms alive. There is no evidence that pure Thymol significantly extends the lifespan of sterile, healthy worms via intrinsic aging pathways (like mTOR or Insulin/IGF-1).
  • Fruit Flies (Drosophila): Negative signal. High concentrations of Thymol (500–1000 mg/L) actually reduced survival and delayed development. This indicates a potential toxicity threshold that could easily be crossed, acting as a metabolic stressor rather than a rejuvenator.

3. Mechanism of Action (The “Biotech” View)

Despite the lack of lifespan data, Thymol does hit legitimate longevity targets. If it were to work, it would likely be through these pathways:

  • JAK/STAT & NF-κB Inhibition: Potent anti-inflammatory action. Chronic inflammation (“inflammaging”) is a primary driver of aging; Thymol dampens this effectively.
  • Redox Homeostasis: It restores endogenous antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT) in aged tissues, likely via Nrf2 pathway activation.
  • Telomere Protection: The Thyme Essential Oil study noted preserved telomere length, likely secondary to reduced oxidative stress.

4. Practical Assessment

Do not count on Thymol as a lifespan extender.
The evidence suggests it is a healthspan agent—specifically for gut health (microbiome modulation) and reducing systemic inflammation—rather than a compound that will fundamentally slow the rate of aging. The toxicity seen in Drosophila is a warning sign that the therapeutic window might be narrow; higher doses could be pro-oxidant or toxic.

Verdict:

  • Lifespan Data: Non-existent for pure Thymol in mammals.
  • Healthspan Data: Strong for inflammation and oxidative stress.
  • Risk Profile: Moderate (potential toxicity at high doses).
#20

I think both thymol and carvacrol are useful to resist infection, but not to act on the aging pathway. Unless there are positive lifespan results in something
I would not takem other than when infected and then mainly for gingivitis.

#21

Here is what Gemini says is a safety-oriented protocol:

Actionable Safety Protocol

To mitigate the theoretical risk of damaging healthy mitochondria or mucous membranes:

  1. Pulse Dosing (The “5:2” Rule): Do not take mitochondrial uncouplers 7 days a week.
  • Protocol: Take for 5 days, then take 2 days off. This allows healthy mitochondria to recover their full potential while the “weak” ones are cleared out.
  1. Monitor Resting Lactate (Optional):
  • If you uncouple too aggressively, your body switches to glycolysis (burning sugar without oxygen), raising lactate levels. If your resting lactate (measured via finger prick sport meter) spikes >2.0 mmol/L, reduce the dose.
  1. Enteric Only: Never consume the liquid oil directly. If you feel “heartburn,” it is likely the oil dissolving in your stomach/esophagus.

Summary Verdict: There are no recorded cases of “mitochondrial failure” in humans from dietary Thyme/Oregano, but the dose makes the poison. The 55 mg dose is safe if pulsed, but could be deleterious if taken chronically at high concentrations.

1 Like
#22

With Gemini, you can drop the web addresses (URL)s for the products you are looking at, and ask Gemini to evaluate them and calculate the cost per mg and compare them all. Its awesome. For Amazon, you only need this part of the url (not all the tracking codes, etc. afterwards).

Here is the URL from Amazon that you copy:

https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Factors-Oregano-180mg-Virgin/dp/B00DUHF9MO/

and leave a space between each URL for each product in your prompt.

To make it so you can copy and paste the results into this forum, be sure to specify:

Output Constraints:

  • Use Markdown formatting (Headers, Bold, Lists).
  • Do not use LaTeX or special characters that break simple text parsers.
  • Embed direct URLs to any external references cited.

This is the result:

UPDATED given feedback below:

Here is the comprehensive analysis of Thymol and Carvacrol supplements, updated to include the Metagenics 120-count bulk option. All images have been removed and URLs verified.

Executive Analysis: The “Biohacker” Verdict

To replicate the Nature Aging study (mitochondrial uncoupling), you need volatile essential oils, specifically Thymol or Carvacrol.

  • The Winner for Potency (Carvacrol): Natural Factors offers the highest verified Carvacrol content per softgel (144 mg).
  • The Winner for Value: NOW Foods remains the best cost-per-mg option that includes enteric coating (crucial for preventing heartburn).
  • The Winner for Longevity (Thymol): Metagenics CandiBactin-AR is the only clinical-grade product that verifies 55 mg of Thymol per softgel. Purchasing the 120 Count Bottle reduces the cost by ~15%, making it a viable long-term strategy for strict protocol adherence.
  • The “Avoid” List: Ydesalen, Zoyava, and similar generics. These brands use “Dry Herbal Equivalent” math (e.g., “6000 mg”) which refers to powder extracts lacking the essential oils required for the biological effect.

Cost & Potency Comparison Table

Product Type Label Claim (Per Unit) Verified Active Content Cost Per Bottle Cost Per MG of Active Molecule Verdict
Natural Factors Oil of Oregano Organic Softgel 180 mg Oregano Oil (80% Carvacrol) 144 mg Carvacrol (Highest Purity) ~$17.50 (60 ct) **$0.0020 / mg** Top Pick (Potency)
NOW Foods Oregano Oil Enteric Softgel 181 mg Oregano Oil (55% Carvacrol) ~100 mg Carvacrol ~$16.00 (90 ct) **$0.0018 / mg** Best Value (Enteric)
Metagenics CandiBactin-AR (120 ct) Clinical Blend 183 mg Thyme + 100 mg Oregano 55 mg Thymol + 55 mg Carvacrol ~$88.00 (120 ct) **$0.0066 / mg** Best Bulk Value for Longevity
Metagenics CandiBactin-AR (60 ct) Clinical Blend 183 mg Thyme + 100 mg Oregano 55 mg Thymol + 55 mg Carvacrol ~$52.00 (60 ct) **$0.0078 / mg** Good for Trial Run
Biotics Research ADP Emulsified Tablet 50 mg Standardized Extract ~35 mg Carvacrol (Sustained Release) ~$50.00 (120 ct) **$0.0120 / mg** Best for SIBO/Gut Health
Ydesalen Softgels Generic “3000 mg Equivalent” Unverified (Likely <50mg Oil) ~$20.00 (120 ct) Unknown (High Risk) AVOID (Marketing Gimmick)
Zoyava 6000mg Powder Extract “6000 mg Equivalent” Unverified (Powder Extract) ~$24.00 (60 ct) Unknown (High Risk) AVOID (Low Oil Content)

Detailed Product Breakdown

1. Natural Factors Oil of Oregano (180 mg)

  • The Spec: Uses Origanum vulgare derived from wild-crafted Mediterranean sources. Cold-pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil carrier.
  • The Math: 180 mg total oil * 80% standardization = 144 mg Active Carvacrol.
  • Why Buy: This is a “heavy hitter.” It creates a massive mitochondrial uncoupling signal.
  • Warning: It is NOT enteric coated. If you have GERD or a sensitive stomach, 144 mg of raw carvacrol releasing in your stomach will likely cause “spicy burps” or mild heartburn. Take with a fatty meal.

2. NOW Foods Oregano Oil (Enteric)

  • The Spec: Standardized to min. 55% Carvacrol.
  • The Math: 181 mg total oil * 55% standardization = ~100 mg Active Carvacrol.
  • Why Buy: The Enteric Coating is the killer feature. It survives stomach acid to release in the small intestine. This reduces upper-GI side effects and mimics the delivery method used in many clinical trials. It is the most “comfortable” daily option.

3. Metagenics CandiBactin-AR (120 Count)

  • The Spec: The only product on this list that provides verified Thymol (55 mg) in addition to Carvacrol.
  • Why Buy: The Nature Aging paper specifically highlighted Thymol as the primary driver of the longevity mechanism (mitophagy) in their screen. If you want to adhere strictly to the science, you must pay the premium for this blend.
  • Bulk Savings: Buying the 120 count brings the price per active milligram down from ~$0.0078 to **~$0.0066**, making it a much more competitive option against high-end Oregano oils.

4. Biotics Research ADP

  • The Spec: A patented “micro-emulsified” tablet, not a liquid oil softgel.
  • Why Buy: This is for Gut Infection (SIBO/Dysbiosis). The sustained release formula ensures the oil coats the entire lining of the intestine to kill bad bacteria. It is less suited for “systemic longevity” because the dose is lower (35 mg), but it is the gold standard for clinical gut health protocols.

5. The “Fake High Potency” Generics (Ydesalen / Zoyava)

  • The Scam: These products rely on consumers confusing “mg of raw herb” with “mg of essential oil.”
  • The Science: To get 6000 mg of essential oil into a capsule, the pill would need to be the size of a golf ball. Instead, they use a “10:1 extract” (powder).
  • The Problem: The extraction process to make dry powder often evaporates the volatile oils (Carvacrol/Thymol). You are getting plant fiber and non-volatile compounds, but very little of the mitochondrial uncoupler you need. Avoid these for this specific protocol.

Final Protocol Recommendation

Option A: The “Purist” (Strict Adherence to Study)

  • Product: Metagenics CandiBactin-AR (120 ct)
  • Dose: 1 softgel, 2x daily (pulsed 5 days on, 2 days off).
  • Reasoning: Ensures you get the Thymol molecule specifically identified in the research. The 120 count bottle lasts 2 months on this protocol.

Option B: The “Biohacker Value” (High Dose Carvacrol)

  • Product: Natural Factors (180 mg)
  • Dose: 1 softgel daily (pulsed 5 days on, 2 days off).
  • Reasoning: Carvacrol is an isomer of Thymol and likely triggers the same TRP channels and mitochondrial uncoupling. This option gives you the highest “biological stress” signal per dollar.

Option C: The “Sensitive Stomach” (Enteric)

  • Product: NOW Foods Oregano
  • Dose: 1 softgel daily.
  • Reasoning: Best balance of cost, comfort, and potency.
Using AI for Health and Longevity and Research - Your Favorite Prompts
#23

And another consideration: What time of day to take these supplements?

The Verdict: Morning or Early Afternoon (With Food)

For the specific goal of longevity and mitochondrial uncoupling, the best time to consume Carvacrol or Thymol supplements is during your active window (Morning to Lunch).

Avoid taking them late in the evening or right before bed.

Why Morning/Daytime is Better?

1. The “Heat” Factor (Thermogenesis)

  • Mechanism: Mitochondrial uncoupling (the effect you are trying to trigger) literally turns energy into heat rather than ATP. This is a thermogenic process.
  • Sleep Disruption: Your body naturally drops its core temperature to initiate deep sleep. Taking a compound that generates metabolic heat right before bed can interfere with this cooling process, potentially reducing Deep Sleep and REM quality.
  • Optimization: Taking it in the morning aligns with your circadian rhythm’s natural “active phase” and body temperature rise.

2. The Reflux Risk (Gravity is Your Friend)

  • Mechanism: Oregano and Thyme oils are potent relaxants of smooth muscle, which can inadvertently relax the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)—the valve that keeps stomach acid down.
  • The Risk: If you take these oils and then lay down horizontally within 1–2 hours, you significantly increase the risk of “silent reflux” or heartburn.
  • Optimization: Taking them at breakfast or lunch ensures you remain upright for hours, allowing the capsule to pass safely into the small intestine.

3. Metabolic Alignment (AMPK Activation)

  • Mechanism: The study suggests these compounds mimic a “fasting” or “exercise” signal (activating AMPK).
  • The Logic: Your body is primed to handle metabolic stress signals during the day. Stacking this “chemical exercise” signal with your actual physical activity or morning fasting window may create a synergistic effect.

The Ideal “Biohacker” Schedule

Protocol: 5 Days On / 2 Days Off (Pulsed)

  • 07:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Morning Window):

    • If Fasting: Take NOW Foods (Enteric) on an empty stomach if you have an iron stomach (high risk of discomfort but higher absorption).
    • If Eating: Take Natural Factors (High Potency) with your first meal containing fat (e.g., eggs, avocado, olive oil). The fat helps absorption, and the food buffers the stomach lining.

  • 02:00 PM (The Cut-off):

    • Try not to dose after this time to ensure the uncoupling effect (and potential heat generation) has subsided before sleep.
1 Like
#24

And remember, from the study, Target Dosing:

1 Like
#25

The link to the Metagenics product above comes up with an Amazon Oregano Oil link.
Here is what I find for Metagenics (for some reason, on my computer, the Amazon link doesn’t show this product):

https://www.metagenics.com/en-us/product/candibactin-ar?size=60

1 Like
#26

Thanks. I ran it again, with your link, and I think it checked all the links now. Updated above, in the original pricing post.