Aging is the inevitable sunset we all will eventually face.

Although we cannot change aging, delaying it has always been humanity's eternal pursuit.

For this problem that has plagued humans since ancient times, answers have now been found in scientists' laboratories.

On September 12, 2024, a research paper titled "Metformin decelerates aging clock in male monkeys" was published in the Cell journal by Liu Guanghui's team from the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with Zhang Weiqi from the Beijing Institute of Genomics and Qu Jing from the Institute of Zoology. After eight years of in-depth exploration, the research team discovered for the first time that metformin can not only regulate blood sugar but also promote the rejuvenation of multiple tissues and organs in elderly male primates!

The researchers evaluated the protective effects of metformin on aging in adult male cynomolgus monkeys, addressing a gap in primate aging research. The study included a comprehensive set of physiological, imaging, histological, and molecular assessments, confirming metformin's impact on delaying age-related phenotypes at the organismal level.

Specifically, pan-tissue transcriptomics, DNA methylomics, plasma proteomics, and metabolomics were utilized to develop innovative monkey aging clocks, which were applied to measure the effects of metformin on aging. The research results emphasized a significant slowdown in aging indicators, with a reversal of approximately six years in brain aging. Metformin exhibited significant neuroprotective effects, preserving brain structure and enhancing cognitive abilities. The neuroprotective effects on primate neurons are partially mediated by the activation of Nrf2, a transcription factor with antioxidant capabilities.

This study is the first to confirm metformin's ability to delay systemic aging in primates and provides in-depth insights into its pharmacological mechanisms for "delaying aging." Additionally, the medication parameters provided and the multi-dimensional aging clocks established for assessing primate aging in this study will open new pathways for the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases.

Regarding the "Miracle Drug" Metformin
As the preferred drug for treating type 2 diabetes, metformin stands out for its effectiveness in lowering blood sugar, controlling weight, cardiovascular protection, and safety. It is currently one of the most widely used oral hypoglycemic drugs globally. There is a saying among the people that "metformin deserves praise every day," and now with its added anti-aging benefits, this star drug's potential continues to be unleashed.

However, metformin is still a prescription drug for treating diabetes, and it has several side effects that require caution. For example, it may cause gastrointestinal reactions such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Therefore, it is not recommended to take it casually. Always consult a professional medical institution and seek medical advice.