We may be living longer, but those extra years often come with disease, fatigue, and dependency.
That’s why scientists are exploring ways to extend not just lifespan, but healthspan.
And one promising route doesn’t involve superfoods or fitness apps. It involves chemistry.
One approach drawing attention focuses on mimicking the effects of calorie restriction.
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When animals eat less, but enough to avoid malnutrition, their cells shift into repair mode. They clean up waste, boost energy efficiency, and become more resilient.
But sticking to a strict, long-term calorie-restricted diet is nearly impossible for most people. It can weaken immunity and harm overall health.
That’s why researchers are searching for medications that trick the body into thinking it’s fasting — without cutting a single meal.
A familiar drug
Among thousands of drugs screened using machine-learning models, one stood out: rilmenidine.
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It’s been used for decades to treat high blood pressure. It’s safe, cheap, and taken orally.
When researchers tested rilmenidine on tiny worms — the kind often used in aging studies — the results were surprising.
The worms lived longer and handled stress better. Even older worms benefited, which hints that people might not need to start treatment early in life to see results.
The secret lies in how the drug interacts with a specific cellular receptor. Without that receptor, the benefits disappear.
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When scientists restored it, the life-extending effects came back. That means the drug's effect is not random — it follows a clear biological path.
From lab worms to human hopes
Though promising, testing in worms isn’t enough. So the team tried rilmenidine on mice. The results were just as exciting.
The animals showed gene changes in their liver and kidneys that resembled those seen during calorie restriction.
Blood markers shifted toward younger, healthier profiles.
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Because rilmenidine is already approved, researchers could soon begin human trials.
Instead of waiting for disease to strike, they’ll measure things like inflammation, insulin sensitivity, and muscle strength.
And the fact that it’s taken by mouth makes it far more practical than injectable therapies.
This article is based on information from Earth.com.
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