Indolepropionamide (IPAM) is a chemical compound, an indole derivative with the molecular formula C<sub>11</sub>H<sub>12</sub>N<sub>2</sub>O. In vivo (rats), IPAM markedly reduced the proton potential collapse induced by the mitochondrial toxins to nearly baseline levels in both young and old rats and demonstrated free-radical scavenging properties. IPAM was shown to increase complex I and complex IV activity in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, however complex II and complex III were left unchanged. Decreased activity of complexes I and IV results in an inhibition of electron transport that is associated with higher production of ROS. IPAM can also act as a recyclable electron and proton carrier, facilitating reversible endogenous radical and redox reactions, and thereby enabling the formation of a proton gradient that drives mitochondrial ATP synthesis. Thus, IPAM acts as a stabilizer of energy metabolism in mitochondria, thereby reducing the production of reactive oxygen species.
IPAM-treated rotifers (Philodina acuticornis) had a lifespan extended by approximately 300%, the number of offspring increased by 3.4 times and body length increased by 1.47 times, in comparison with IPAM-untreated rotifers. Researchers noted that such a lifespan extension in this particular rotifer species is the highest that was ever observed to date in any study. Indolepropionamide shows potential as an anti-aging molecule, a mitochondrial metabolism modifier and may have a therapeutic value in age-related neurodegenerative, and mitochondrial diseases.
In rodents, IPAM was detected as endogenously occurring and its levels can be slightly increased after administration of <small>L</small>-tryptophan (but not indole-3-propionic acid or melatonin). IPAM has high bioavailability as it can efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier and remain at high concentrations in rat brains for several hours. In rats, IPAM was administered at a dosage of 0.5 mg/kg.