Researchers have conducted a study on cynomolgus monkeys to test the impact of metformin, a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, on aging. Over a nearly three-and-a-half-year period, monkeys treated with metformin showed reduced age-related decline in multiple organs, including the brain. Some monkeys even exhibited a six-year regression in certain aging indicators. While the study suggests promising anti-aging benefits, further research including human trials is needed to explore the drug’s potential.
Metformin, traditionally used to treat type 2 diabetes, is known to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and promote cellular repair processes, all of which are important factors in aging. Researchers from China and the U.S. conducted a study on cynomolgus monkeys to investigate the effects of metformin on aging across multiple organs, including the brain. The study, published in Cell, involved a 40-month investigation with 36 monkeys to better understand metformin’s effects on biological aging in mammals. Tissue samples were collected, brain imaging was performed, and physical and cognitive tests were conducted to assess changes in biological age at the cellular level.
The research team found evidence of slowed biological aging in several organs, including the kidneys, lungs, and skin. They also observed a significant impact on brain aging, with all monkeys experiencing a reduction in age-related decline and some showing brain age indicators resembling monkeys six years younger. Metformin preserved brain structure and improved cognitive function, likely due to its activation of Nrf2, a protein with anti-oxidative properties. The geroprotective effect was particularly pronounced in the brain’s frontal lobe and the liver.
While the researchers acknowledged limitations in their study, including its focus on a single gender and the lack of human trials, the findings suggest promising potential for metformin in reducing aging in multiple organs, including the brain. Anecdotal reports from medical professionals suggest that metformin may also benefit oral health by reducing inflammation and slowing cell aging. The results are significant because aging processes in monkeys share similarities with humans, particularly in cellular function and metabolic health. More research is needed to determine if metformin can delay the onset of age-related diseases, improve organ function, and enhance overall longevity in humans.
Clinical trials and long-term studies will be essential in understanding how metformin influences human aging and if it can safely be used as a longevity treatment. Medical professionals like Dr. Ryan Doyle, DDS, and Dr. Thomas Jeneby, MD, have noted that integrating metformin or similar drugs with healthy lifestyle choices could offer a new avenue for promoting longevity and reducing age-related diseases. The potential for metformin to slow down the aging process and reduce inflammation opens up new possibilities for managing age-related diseases more effectively. However, it is important to conduct further research to confirm these findings and understand the wider effects of metformin on human aging.
