Provided are compounds which generally have a triketone structure. Examples of the compounds include derivatives of 1,3-cyclohexanedione, such as: 1,3-cyclohexanedione, 2-propanoyl-5-cyclohexyl- 1,3-cyclohexanedione, 2-propanoyl-5-[4-fluorophenyl]- 1,3-cyclohexanedione, 2-acetyl-5-[thien-2-yl]- 1,3-cyclohexanedione, 2-acetyl-5-butyl- and 1,3-cyclohexanedione, 2-propanoyl-5-[bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-en-5-yl]-. The compounds can be used to alter the lifespan of eukaryotic organisms and treat inflammation.