How ibuprofen could extend your life

In one of the experiments, published in the journal PLoS Genetics, worms given ibuprofen throughout their life were healthy for longer.

In one of the experiments, published in the journal PLoS Genetics, worms given ibuprofen throughout their life were healthy for longer.

Published Dec 19, 2014

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London - Those with a headache will already attest to its short-term benefits. But ibuprofen could also hold the key to a long and healthy life.

In a series of experiments, the painkiller extended the life of yeast, worms and flies by around 15 percent.

Furthermore, the extra years were healthy ones, equating to an extra 12 years of good quality life for humans.

The US researchers said: “There is a lot to be excited about.”

In one of the experiments, published in the journal PLoS Genetics, worms given ibuprofen throughout their life were healthy for longer.

Lead researcher Dr Chong He, of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in California, said: “Our preliminary data showed ibuprofen also extended their lifespan.”

The doses used were similar to those taken daily by millions of people.

Dr Michael Polymenis, of Texas A&M University, said: “Our study supports the idea that drugs in common use may have unexpected properties. We just need more research to examine and understand these properties.” - Daily Mail

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