A hypertension drug called rilmenidine has been shown to slow down aging in worms, raising hopes that it could help humans live longer and healthier lives. The drug, which mimics the effects of caloric restriction on a cellular level, has been found to increase lifespan and improve health markers in animal models.
In a study published in 2023, Caenorhabditis elegans worms treated with rilmenidine lived longer and presented better health outcomes than those not treated. The researchers behind the study believe that rilmenidine could provide similar benefits to calorie restriction without the negative side effects.
Further research revealed that gene activity associated with caloric restriction was observed in the kidney and liver tissues of mice treated with rilmenidine, suggesting that the drug may have a similar impact on human health. The discovery of a specific biological signaling receptor called nish-1 also shed light on the effectiveness of rilmenidine.
While more research is needed to confirm the findings in humans, early results are promising. Rilmenidine can be taken orally and has a favorable safety profile, making it an attractive candidate for further investigation as an anti-aging agent. As the global population ages, delaying aging even slightly could have immense benefits, according to molecular biogerontologist João Pedro Magalhães.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/this-common-blood-pressure-drug-extends-lifespan-slows-aging-in-animals