Abstract: A composition and method for influencing energy metabolism and treating metabolic and other disorders is provided. A terpenoid lactone that is a selective activator of SIRT1 is generally in the form of a terpenoid dilactone having a 5-alkeny-loxy-furan-2- one group, such as strigolactone, GR 24, or another strigolactone analog, and is used as a therapeutic agent in a method for influencing energy metabolism and treating metabolic and other disorders. The terpenoid lactone may be administered as an individual agent or combined with a second compound such as a flavonoid, chalconoid, tannin, or nicotinamide inhibition antagonist.