For centuries, humans have sought ways to extend life. While scientists have shown that eating less can lead to longer lives in certain lab animals, finding an alternative without sacrificing food enjoyment has been elusive.
Researchers have discovered compounds mimicking the effects of dieting, known as rapamycin and metformin. A new study found that rapamycin extends life almost as consistently as reducing caloric intake, whereas metformin does not.
Eating less, or dietary restriction, has been the gold standard for increasing lifespan since a study in the 1920s showed laboratory rats lived longer when fed less than their peers. However, many people struggle to follow restrictive diets and extreme reductions can be detrimental to health.
The researchers aimed to investigate whether diet-mimicking drugs could replicate the benefits of eating less without the negative side effects. Rapamycin was first discovered in Easter Island soil bacteria and is now used to prevent organ-transplant rejection due to its immunosuppressive properties. It blocks a molecular switch that tells cells when nutrients are abundant.
Metformin, on the other hand, is a synthetic compound derived from French lilac and is commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes. Both drugs affect how the body senses nutrients and energy, leading researchers to test them as potential diet-mimics.
The study pooled data from over 1,600 scientific papers and found that eating less was still the most consistent method for prolonging life across eight vertebrate species. Rapamycin showed promise but metformin had no clear benefit.
Rapamycin is an exciting lead in the pursuit of new anti-aging therapies, as slowing the aging process can reduce disease risk and increase quality of life. However, more research is needed to explore its potential benefits and side effects. Researchers are investigating milder doses to minimize drawbacks.
While rapamycin trials have shown promising results, caution is advised before attempting it for longevity. The human trial for metformin is ongoing, with expected findings in a few years. This discovery highlights the potential of manipulating molecular pathways to mimic diet-mimicking benefits without sacrificing taste or quality of life.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-confirm-anti-aging-drug-appears-to-prolong-life