A surprising discovery by researchers from the University of Liverpool suggests that rilmenidine, a common drug used to treat high blood pressure, may also help extend lifespan and improve overall health in animals.
This finding opens the door to the possibility of repurposing existing medications to tackle the aging process and address age-related diseases.
Aging is a natural process that comes with a decline in how well the body functions, making individuals more prone to illnesses over time. Scientists have long sought ways to slow aging and enhance health during the later years of life.
One approach, known as caloric restriction, involves reducing calorie intake without sacrificing essential nutrients. In animal studies, caloric restriction has shown to increase lifespan, but its effects on humans have been less clear, often accompanied by significant side effects like fatigue and weakened immunity.
To find alternatives with fewer downsides, researchers have explored various drugs like metformin, rapamycin, and resveratrol. While these have shown promise in laboratory studies, they often come with challenges such as low absorption by the body, the need for injections, or severe side effects that limit their use.
Rilmenidine, however, stands out as a potentially better option. This widely used oral medication for high blood pressure has fewer side effects and is already considered safe for long-term use in humans.
In this study, rilmenidine was given to animals at different life stages, both young and old. The results were remarkable: animals lived longer and showed improvements in health markers, such as better organ function and reduced signs of aging.
What makes rilmenidine so effective? Researchers pinpointed a specific receptor in the body called I1-imidazoline, which plays a key role in the drug’s benefits.
By targeting this receptor, rilmenidine mimics the effects of caloric restriction without requiring dietary changes. This suggests that the I1-imidazoline receptor could become a focus for future research aimed at developing therapies to promote longevity.
The implications of these findings are significant, especially given the global rise in aging populations. Extending lifespan and improving health during aging, even by a small margin, could reduce healthcare costs and improve the quality of life for millions.
Since rilmenidine is already widely available and has a well-documented safety profile, it could become a candidate for human trials focused on slowing the aging process.
Of course, more research is needed. Scientists must better understand how rilmenidine achieves these effects and whether the same benefits seen in animals will apply to humans.
Future studies will also need to explore its potential for treating age-related diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.
This discovery is a promising step in the field of geroscience—the study of aging and its effects on health. By repurposing existing drugs like rilmenidine, researchers can potentially fast-track the development of therapies aimed at extending healthy lifespans.
While challenges remain, this breakthrough provides hope for a future where aging doesn’t have to mean a decline in health and vitality.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about potatoes and high blood pressure, and top 10 choices for a blood pressure-friendly diet
For more information about high blood pressure, please see recent studies about impact of vitamins on high blood pressure you need to know, and the powerful link between high blood pressure and a potassium-rich diet.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
