Scientists have long searched for ways to extend human life, and recent research suggests that rapamycin may hold the key. In a study of eight vertebrate species, including mice and rats, researchers found that rapamycin prolonged life almost as consistently as eating less, while metformin showed no clear benefit.
The idea behind using diet-mimicking drugs is to replicate the benefits of eating less without the drawbacks. Rapamycin was first discovered in Easter Island soil in the 1970s and works by blocking a molecular switch that tells cells when nutrients are abundant. This mechanism has been shown to mimic the effects of calorie restriction, which has been proven to increase lifespan in lab animals.
In the study, researchers examined thousands of scientific papers and pooled data from 167 studies on various animal species. They found that eating less remained the most consistent way to prolong life, but rapamycin was a close second. The findings suggest that rapamycin may be a promising lead for new anti-aging therapies.
While the results are encouraging, more research is needed to confirm the benefits of rapamycin and minimize its potential side effects. However, preliminary human trials have shown positive effects on health indicators, and further investigation into milder doses of rapamycin may provide a way to harness its life-extending properties without compromising quality of life.
The discovery of rapamycin’s life-extending properties offers hope for developing new therapies that promote healthy aging without sacrificing our love for chocolate cake. As researchers continue to explore the potential of this molecule, it remains essential to balance scientific progress with a deep understanding of the complexities of human health and longevity.
Source: https://www.zmescience.com/medicine/nutrition-medicine/this-anti-aging-drug-extends-life-as-effectively-as-restricting-calories