Metformin is being claimed as a panacea for all aging problems. Currently approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, the drug is getting used off-label as an anti-aging medication. Let’s discover the reality behind these tall claims.

Metformin belongs to a category of medication called biguanides. The drug decreases glucose production within the liver and increases insulin sensitivity within the muscle and fat tissues, in accordance with HealthNews. 

Primarily getting used to treat type 2 diabetes for greater than 50 years, the drug can be reportedly used off-label within the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Metformin has anti-inflammatory properties and since inflammation is a consider heart problems, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer, researchers opine that metformin can increase longevity by stopping these age-related diseases. 

In a study of girls affected by PCOS, metformin was found to diminish hair loss in individuals. Along with this, attributable to its anti-inflammatory effect, metformin has been shown to alleviate some inflammatory skin disorders, equivalent to psoriasis, pimples, and allergic contact dermatitis in multiple studies, in accordance with the outlet.

Researchers also hypothesize that the favored drug may play a job in collagen synthesis, the formation of recent blood vessels (angiogenesis), and skin-derived stem cell proliferation.

Furthermore, in a series of studies in humans and mice, metformin was found to extend the extent of the peptide hormone growth/differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) within the body. GDF15 may help boost energy and lower body weight. 

Currently, the National Cancer Institute is funding several human trials to find out the role of metformin in stopping or treating different types of cancer, including breast cancer, endometrial cancer, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and smoldering multiple myeloma.

Despite a lot speculation and plenty of small studies, metformin continues to be not approved to be used as an anti-aging drug. Many large-scale studies and clinical trials in humans are required to provide the drug that acknowledgment.

So, take this information around metformin as an anti-aging solution with a pinch of salt. The drug also has unwanted effects that must be considered before using it as an off-label aging antidote. Common unwanted effects of metformin include nausea, diarrhea, gas, bloating, stomach pain, indigestion and decreased appetite.

While on the subject of anti-aging, scientists from the University of Texas found that treating mice with low-frequency waves restarted cell division, rejuvenating cells from a zombie-like state that causes cell dysfunction and even diseases.

“‘Is that this too good to be true?’ is the query I often ask. We’re examining all features of it to see if it really does work,” Prof. Sheetz commented. The ultrasound frequency utilized in the study was not more than 100 kilohertz. For context, medical imaging uses around 2,000 kilohertz for its process.