Diabetes Pill May Be 'Anti-Aging Wonder Drug'

A long-known diabetic treatment called Metformin, first introduced in the 1920s, is now being researched as a potential treatment for other things. Including slowing the effects of aging, Alzheimer's, and even cancer. The drug, synthesized from French lilac, is now being touted as an "anti-aging miracle."

French lilac, also known as goat's rue, has been used since the Middle Ages as a treatment for symptoms of diabetes. It's a staple in traditional Chinese medicine and that's where it's getting its renewed interest.

A 2014 study at Cardiff University found that metformin helped patients live longer.

That study, which focused on diabetics, triggered interest because the statistics actually showed that diabetics taking metformin were often living longer than non-diabetics who weren't taking the medicine. This has lead to interest into the other benefits metformin may have.

A growing body of evidence, says the South China Morning Post, finds that metformin is effective in the prevention and treatment of cancer. It's also known to lower cancer risks in diabetics. Studies have found that metformin can inhibit the growth of breast, colon, lung, pancreatic, and prostate cancers.

Clinical evidence may point to metformin as being a potential treatment for Altzheimer's and dementia. It's often prescribed by Chinese doctors to improve the overall health of patients, to give energy, and to improve cognition. It can also help with weight loss, especially in diabetics.

So far, study into these other attributes of metformin are just beginning. But the evidence seems to be growing, experts are saying.

Source: SCMP.com