Ibuprofen use leads to extended lifespan in several species

A common over-the-counter drug that tackles pain and fever may also hold keys to a longer, healthier life, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientist. Regular doses of ibuprofen extended the lifespan of multiple species. Ibuprofen is a relatively safe drug that was created in the early 1960s in England. It was first made available by prescription and then, after widespread use became available over-the-counter throughout the world in the 1980s. The World Health Organization includes ibuprofen on their “List of Essential Medications” needed in a basic health system. Ibuprofen is described as a “non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for relieving pain, helping with fever and reducing inflammation.” Researchers first used baker’s yeast, which is an established aging model and noticed that the yeast treated with ibuprofen lived longer. Then they tried the same process with worms and flies and saw the same extended lifespan. Plus, these organisms not only lived longer, but also appeared healthy. He said the treatment, given at doses comparable to the recommended human dose, added about 15 percent more to the species lives. Ibuprofen is something that people have been taking for years, and no one actually knew that it can have some benefits for longevity and health span.