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Thousands of people take blood pressure medication every day. But few of them know that they are swallowing a “youth pill” every day that may be able to slow down the ageing process.
Many patients who struggle with high blood pressure take the drug Tenaxum. However, if they read the package insert, they learn that it also contains Rilmenidine. This is a drug with a well-known safety profile that is positively tolerated even by elderly patients. Scientific research has recently shown that this very substance slows down ageing. Molecular biogerontologist João Pedro Magalhães from the University of Birmingham in the UK has made a surprising discovery.
Rilmenidine was chosen by biogerontologist Magalhães for his research because it can mimic a state where cells have limited energy intake. In fact, a certain amount of “starvation” has been shown to prolong the lives of experimental animals. Specifically, worms, the so-called nematodes.
"Our study shows that Rilmenidine could mimic the effects of calorie restriction and act as a new anti-aging drug."
The Rilmenidine-treated kittens lived on average 19% longer than the other group. In addition, their active life span was very healthy and active. It turns out that the preparation was also able to increase their resistance to stress. Another important point is that positive results were also achieved on older worms. This would mean in the future that it is not necessary to take the substance from a young age to achieve the desired effects.
A hitherto unknown receptor in nematodes has just been discovered during research. They called it NISH-1. Scientific research then found that this receptor is similar to the human imidazoline receptor, to which Rilmenidine binds. Another effect of Rilmenidine is the activation of several molecular pathways that are responsible for longevity.
Scientists have also tested the effects of Rilmenidine in mice. Changes in the liver and kidneys of mice suggest that the substance could also show promise in mammals. However, no premature conclusions have yet been drawn from the research. Scientists still have a lot of research to do before they can be sure about the effects of Rilmenidine in humans.
━━ If the substance is effective in mice, we may soon see results in humans.
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Calorie restriction is known to prolong life and improve health. And so this topic has become a source of debate. Starvation is, of course, very unpleasant and, above all, can bring many health complications. Scientists are therefore likely to focus on how to achieve the same effect, but without the negative consequences. They will look for substances that could mimic the effects of calorie restriction. It seems that a drug that would effectively slow aging and improve life in advanced age is still a long way off. But scientists are already well on their way.
