Sperm helps slow the ageing process

Scientists at Graz University have found out that a compound found in sperm, called spermidine, can cause the ageing process to slow down. It also protects cells from damage to increase longevity in yeast, worms, flies and mice and also, it has been discovered, in human blood cells. Testing with the addition of spermidine showed that treated fruit flies had a longer life span of more than 30 per cent compared to untreated ones, and treated worms lasted 15 per cent longer.

One researcher, Tobias Eisenberg, was quoted as saying that this is the "holy grail of age research." The British media has also been quoted as forecasting a wonder pill which could significantly help with the ageing process. However, the researchers and the industry have been very cautious in explaining that human trials are far from being complete, and that treatment is even further away. It will take many further years of study and testing before it can be let loose on human guinea pigs according to an article published on the website NHS Choices. Furthermore, the article gently points out that this is yet another magic “elixir of eternal youth” to have been discovered recently.

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