London - Some may see it as the perfect excuse to raise a glass to a long and active life.
Scientists have shown that resveratrol, the “miracle ingredient” in red wine, extends lifespan and provides an infusion of energy.
Swiss researchers identified three genes which make proteins that have been found to shorten the lifespan of mice. With this in mind, Professor Johan Auwerx turned to two widely-used antibiotics that block the production of such proteins.
Given to worms, they increased lifespan by an average of 60 percent, the journal Nature reports. The worms were also more active, had greater endurance and healthier muscles.
A final set of experiments showed that resveratrol uses the same mechanism to extend life. However, the effect wasn’t as dramatic.
Resveratrol has previously been credited with anti-ageing powers, and the ability to work against cancer, heart disease and obesity.
Professor Auwerx, of the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, said: “This research gives us hope not only for increasing longevity, but also for lengthening the period of adult vitality, and doing this with drugs as simple as antibiotics.”
With neither long-term antibiotic use or heavy drinking advisable, the key will be to find a safe drug that is just as effective. - Daily Mail