The hypertension medication rilmenidine has demonstrated the ability to decelerate aging in worms, suggesting a potential longevity and health improvement impact in humans. Previous studies reveal that rilmenidine mirrors the cellular effects of caloric restriction, a method known to extend lifespans in various animal models by reducing available energy while maintaining nutrition.
The question of whether this phenomenon extends to human biology or poses health risks remains a subject of ongoing debate. Researchers aim to explore alternative approaches to reap similar benefits without the drawbacks of extreme calorie reduction, potentially offering novel ways to enhance elderly health.
A study, published in January, observed increased lifespans and improved health markers in both young and old Caenorhabditis elegans worms treated with rilmenidine, a drug commonly used for hypertension.Molecular biogerontologist João Pedro Magalhães from the University of Birmingham expressed excitement about the findings, emphasizing the need to investigate potential clinical applications for rilmenidine.
While C. elegans shares genetic similarities with humans, it remains a distant relative. Further experiments indicated that gene activity associated with caloric restriction was evident in the kidney and liver tissues of mice treated with rilmenidine. Notably, a biological signaling receptor named nish-1 played a crucial role in the drug’s effectiveness, offering a potential target for future anti-aging interventions.
Rilmenidine stands out as a promising anti-aging candidate due to its oral administration, widespread prescription, and rare and mild side effects. Although the drug’s viability for human anti-aging remains uncertain, early tests on worms and mice present encouraging signs. Understanding the capabilities and mechanisms of rilmenidine opens avenues for potential advancements in anti-aging research.
“With a global aging population, even slight delays in aging can yield immense benefits,” emphasized Magalhães, highlighting the significance of the research. The study was published in Aging Cell.
