Forget the Fountain of Youth: New research discovers ibuprofen's potential to add 12 years to the human life

When people get older, people get sick. What if we could figure out why this cycle occurs, and find ways to intervene with the process? Perhaps, we can then find ways to extend the human health span.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The Buck Institute for Research on Ageing in California has made a remarkable discovery with a drug that is already in most of America's medicine cabinets.

Ibuprofen, a cheap, over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory drug, is commonly used to treat inflammation, pain and fever.

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This little pill may be the key to developing a long sought after anti-aging drug, according to researchers.

"There is a lot to be excited about," expressed Dr. Brian Kennedy, president and chief executive of the Buck Institute for Research on Ageing in California. "The research shows that ibuprofen impacts a process not yet implicated in aging, giving us a new way to study and understand the ageing process."

The institute did a series of laboratory tests where ibuprofen was exposed to three test organisms - baker's yeast, the lab worm Caenorhabditis elegans and the fruit fly.

The test subjects were given an extra 15 percent to their lives; in human terms that translates to an extra dozen years.

"Both the treated flies and worms appeared healthier in old age than those left untreated," said the scientists in the online journal Public Library of Science Genetics.

"We are not sure why this works but it is worth exploring further," explained lead researcher, Professor Michael Polymenis of Texas A&M University. "This study was a proof of principle, to show that common, relatively safe drugs in humans can extend the lifespan of very diverse organisms."

Ibuprofen was also found to help with Type-2 diabetes, arthritis and dementia. The drug could also cut the risk of developing a common form of skin cancer for pale-skinned individuals by as much as 15 to 20 percent.

While these findings are exciting, researches strongly warn against abusing the drug. Misuse of ibuprofen can damage the stomach lining.

It is advised that anyone with questions regarding the use of ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory drugs should speak with their general practitioner.

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