The scientific community is experiencing renewed interest in the drug rilmenidine, which has long been used to lower blood pressure. Animal studies have shown that this medication not only regulates blood pressure but may also influence aging processes. Experiments with nematodes and mice revealed a surprising effect: test subjects given rilmenidine lived longer and showed improvements in several health indicators. These results have prompted experts to consider whether this familiar drug might hold potential in combating age-related changes in humans.
Rilmenidine works at the cellular level, mimicking the effects of calorie restriction. It has long been known that reducing calorie intake while maintaining a balanced diet can prolong life in various animal species. However, strict diets are difficult for most people to endure and can cause side effects. This is why scientists are searching for ways to achieve similar results without the need for exhaustive restrictions.
Mechanism of Action
In experiments, both young and old Caenorhabditis elegans worms receiving rilmenidine lived longer and showed signs of slowed aging. Similar effects were observed in mice, where molecular changes typical of a low-calorie diet were found in the kidneys and liver. This suggests the drug triggers longevity-related processes in the body without requiring drastic lifestyle changes.
Scientists paid particular attention to the nish-1 receptor, which proved to be crucial for the action of rilmenidine. When this receptor was blocked, the lifespan-extending effect disappeared. Restoring its function brought back the positive results. This mechanism could be a starting point for developing new drugs that can slow down aging.
Benefits and risks
Rilmenidine has long been used to treat hypertension, with side effects considered rare and usually mild. These may include increased heart rate, insomnia, and drowsiness, which do not affect all patients. Unlike strict diets, the drug does not cause emaciation, hair loss, or brittle bones, making it a potentially safer option for preserving health in old age.
However, scientists emphasize that despite encouraging results in animals, it is too early to expect the same effect in humans. Large-scale clinical trials are needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of rilmenidine as an anti-aging agent.
Parallels with other medicines
Interestingly, similar properties have been found in other drugs as well. For example, metformin, used to treat type 2 diabetes, is also associated with increased life expectancy in women. Long-term studies of elderly female patients showed that those who took metformin were less likely to die before age 90 compared to those on other medications.
However, such studies cannot conclusively prove a causal relationship, as participants were not randomly assigned to groups. Still, the long observation period of 14–15 years allows for cautious conclusions about the potential benefits of these drugs in prolonging life.
The future of research
For now, rilmenidine remains a drug for treating hypertension, but its potential in gerontology is being actively explored. Scientists note that even a slight slowing of aging could have a tremendous impact on society, given the growing elderly population worldwide. If rilmenidine’s effectiveness in humans is confirmed, it could pave the way for preventing age-related diseases and improving quality of life in old age.
In the coming years, new studies are expected that will shed light on how universal the effect of rilmenidine is and whether it can be used to slow aging in people. Until then, experts advise against self-medication and recommend waiting for official guidelines.
For reference, rilmenidine was developed as a medication for blood pressure control and is widely used in Europe and other countries. The drug belongs to the group of imidazoline receptor agonists and is known for its mild effect on the cardiovascular system. It is prescribed to patients with hypertension, particularly those with comorbid kidney disease or metabolic disorders. In recent years, interest in rilmenidine has grown due to research on aging, but its primary use remains the treatment of high blood pressure.
