The drug rilmenidine is usually taken to treat hypertension, but its powers appear to go far beyond that.

In fact, research shows rilmenidine can slow aging in worms – an effect that, if it translates to humans, could one day help us live longer and stay healthier in old age.

Rilmenidine appears to mimic the effects of caloric restriction on a cellular level, and reducing available energy while maintaining nutrition has been shown to extend lifespans in several animal models.