Scientists from the University of Liverpool have made an exciting discovery. They found that a drug called rilmenidine, which is already used to treat high blood pressure, might help slow down aging and even extend life. This discovery could be a big step forward in finding simple ways to stay healthier for longer.
In their study, researchers treated animals with rilmenidine at both young and older ages. They found that these animals lived longer and stayed healthier compared to those that did not receive the drug.
The health improvements they saw were similar to what happens when animals are put on a special low-calorie diet, known as caloric restriction. Caloric restriction is known to extend lifespan in many species, from worms to mice. However, following such a strict diet can be very difficult for humans and sometimes causes unwanted side effects.
The Liverpool team wanted to find out how rilmenidine works. They discovered that the drug acts through something called the I1-imidazoline receptor, which they named nish-1. This receptor seems to be a key player in controlling aging processes. This is an important finding because it points to a new target that could be used to create future treatments for aging.
What makes rilmenidine especially interesting is that it is already widely prescribed to treat high blood pressure. It is taken by mouth and is generally safe, with only mild side effects in most people. This means that, unlike some other experimental anti-aging drugs, rilmenidine could possibly be used by people sooner, without waiting years for new drug approvals.
Currently, the most reliable way known to slow aging is caloric restriction. But for many people, sticking to such a diet long-term is not realistic. Plus, studies on humans have shown mixed results, with some people experiencing negative effects like feeling weak or having lower bone density.
Because of this, scientists have been looking for drugs that could offer the same benefits as caloric restriction without the need to drastically change eating habits. Rilmenidine could be one of these drugs.
The researchers also pointed out that even a small delay in aging could have a huge impact on health worldwide.
As the global population gets older, more people are at risk of developing age-related diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and dementia. Slowing aging even a little bit could mean better health, fewer hospital visits, and a better quality of life for millions of people.
This study was led by Professor João Pedro Magalhães and was published in the journal Aging Cell. It is the first time that rilmenidine has been shown to extend lifespan in animals. The research team is now eager to find out if rilmenidine can also help in other ways, possibly protecting against diseases linked to aging.
Although more studies are needed to see if rilmenidine has the same effects in humans, this research is very promising. It suggests that a simple pill, already available for other health problems, might one day help people live longer and stay healthier as they age.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and natural coconut sugar could help reduce blood pressure and artery stiffness.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies about added sugar in your diet linked to higher blood pressure, and results showing vitamin D could improve blood pressure in people with diabetes.
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