All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Antidepressants as a cure for old age
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
In the US, a group of researchers, after a series of experiments, stated that some antidepressants have a rejuvenating effect. It is worth noting that earlier scientists put forward a theory about the ability of antidepressants to influence the aging process, but this was scientifically proven by specialists from the University of California. Scientists decided to conduct the first experiments in this area on nematode worms, which were injected with mianserin, a tetracyclic antidepressant, for quite a long time, as a result of which the life expectancy of the worms increased by 40%.
The researchers decided not to stop and to better study the effects of modern antidepressants.
Scientists were interested in the principle of mianserin's effect on the lifespan of worms. Further experiments showed that the drug promotes the activation of a certain gene that slows down the aging of the entire organism as a whole.
Next, the scientists decided to conduct an experiment on laboratory rats, and the results were similar, i.e. the rejuvenating effect of antidepressants is also manifested in the case of mammals. The following experiments were conducted with the participation of people, a group of volunteers aged 26 years and older took mianserin and the scientists also noted significant improvements in the bodies of the study participants.
American scientists suggest that antidepressants may form the basis of future anti-aging drugs, and they emphasize the high effectiveness of such drugs.
Aging is probably one of the most important issues that worries humanity, especially its beautiful half. Many women are ready for any cosmetic procedures to improve the condition of their skin, but not always even the most expensive products are truly effective. In the US, a group of researchers recently found that wrinkles and puffiness on the face can be removed not by modern cosmetic procedures or expensive creams. According to scientists, in order to look better, you just need to change your pillow from soft to hard.
Experts note that women pay special attention to the choice of a mattress, the main criterion for choosing a pillow is softness, but this is a mistake. A good night's rest directly affects not only the internal state, but also the external, experts are sure. Soft pillows disrupt blood circulation during sleep, as a result, wrinkles and swelling begin to appear on the face. Therefore, experts recommend paying attention not only to the mattress, but also to the pillow and giving preference to hard ones, then many problems with health and appearance will remain in the past.
Swiss scientists are sure that the secret of youth lies in genes. They have already managed to identify about 30 common genes in fish, roundworms and mice that are responsible for life expectancy. As scientists assume, these genes influence the aging process and if you learn to influence them, you can simply "switch off" aging. Experts are sure that similar genes should also be present in humans and research in this area continues.
[