Sex drug Viagra's unexpected new health benefit revealed: Study discovers how it can help older adults
Viagra, commonly known for treating erectile dysfunction, may have a surprising new health benefit: researchers say it could also help millions of older adults strengthen their bones, as per a study published on PubMed in April 2025. Researchers from Peking University found that sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, can help human stem cells transform into osteoblasts, the cells responsible for building new bone tissue. Also read | Viagra can actually leave you 'dissatisfied' with your sex life: Study Scientists discover Viagra boosts bone cell production and could help prevent fractures in ageing adults. (Freepik)
This new research opens up possibilities for repurposing Viagra as a treatment for osteoporosis. As we age, we lose more bone than we build, increasing the risk of breaks or osteoporosis, which makes bones brittle and painful.
As per the findings, sildenafil increases production of vital bone cells, which can help prevent bone loss and fractures. This breakthrough could potentially prevent back pain and fractures in older adults, offering new hope to millions.
With over 3 million Britons suffering from osteoporosis, The Sun reported on June 20 that this discovery could bring significant relief – by strengthening bones and preventing fractures, Viagra may improve the quality of life for many ageing individuals.
Researchers suggest Viagra may also help reduce the risk of dementia by improving blood flow in the brain. However, more human studies are needed before doctors start prescribing it for this condition. It's essential to note that Viagra comes with potential side effects, and its use for bone health should be approached with caution. More about the study
Dr Menglong Hu and Dr Likun Wu, from the Peking University team, were quoted as saying: 'Our findings offer new insights into the physiological effects of the medicine. Sildenafil enhanced stem cell osteogenic differentiation and inhibited bone loss — it may usefully treat osteoporosis.'
Other treatments exist but the researchers said it would be handy to have more cheap and readily available drugs: 'Any new drug must be evaluated. This is time-consuming, expensive and risky. But sildenafil is approved and safe.'
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
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Hindustan Times
4 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Sex drug Viagra's unexpected new health benefit revealed: Study discovers how it can help older adults
Viagra, commonly known for treating erectile dysfunction, may have a surprising new health benefit: researchers say it could also help millions of older adults strengthen their bones, as per a study published on PubMed in April 2025. Researchers from Peking University found that sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, can help human stem cells transform into osteoblasts, the cells responsible for building new bone tissue. Also read | Viagra can actually leave you 'dissatisfied' with your sex life: Study Scientists discover Viagra boosts bone cell production and could help prevent fractures in ageing adults. (Freepik) This new research opens up possibilities for repurposing Viagra as a treatment for osteoporosis. As we age, we lose more bone than we build, increasing the risk of breaks or osteoporosis, which makes bones brittle and painful. As per the findings, sildenafil increases production of vital bone cells, which can help prevent bone loss and fractures. This breakthrough could potentially prevent back pain and fractures in older adults, offering new hope to millions. With over 3 million Britons suffering from osteoporosis, The Sun reported on June 20 that this discovery could bring significant relief – by strengthening bones and preventing fractures, Viagra may improve the quality of life for many ageing individuals. Researchers suggest Viagra may also help reduce the risk of dementia by improving blood flow in the brain. However, more human studies are needed before doctors start prescribing it for this condition. It's essential to note that Viagra comes with potential side effects, and its use for bone health should be approached with caution. More about the study Dr Menglong Hu and Dr Likun Wu, from the Peking University team, were quoted as saying: 'Our findings offer new insights into the physiological effects of the medicine. Sildenafil enhanced stem cell osteogenic differentiation and inhibited bone loss — it may usefully treat osteoporosis.' Other treatments exist but the researchers said it would be handy to have more cheap and readily available drugs: 'Any new drug must be evaluated. This is time-consuming, expensive and risky. But sildenafil is approved and safe.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
NDTV
2 days ago
- NDTV
Top 10 Asian Universities In QS World University Rankings 2026
QS World University Rankings 2026: The QS World University Rankings 2026, released on Wednesday, features more than 1,500 higher education institutions from over 100 countries, reflecting significant shifts in global academic performance. The latest edition shows the growing influence of Asian universities, with several securing prominent positions in the top 50 globally. The National University of Singapore (NUS) has retained its position among the global elite, securing the 8th rank with an overall score of 95.9. Close behind, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) holds the 11th position with a score of 94.2, while Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore) follows at 12th with 93.7 points. China continues its strong presence, with Peking University at 14th (92.6), and Tsinghua University rising to 17th with a score of 91.2. Fudan University, another univeristy from China, climbed nine spots to reach the 30th position, while the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) secured the 32nd rank. Japan's University of Tokyo shares the 36th position with a score of 85.8, and Seoul National University from South Korea closely follows at 38th with 85.6. Other notable entries from Asia include the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) at 44th (84.8), Zhejiang University at 49th, and Yonsei University at 50th with 82.9 points. Here's the list of top 10 Asian universities National University of Singapore The University of Hong Kong Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Peking University, China Tsinghua University, China Fudan University in Shanghai, China (Mainland) The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) The University of Tokyo Seoul National University The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology This year's rankings introduced a new International Student Diversity (ISD) metric as an unweighted indicator. It evaluates both the proportion and nationality spread of international students, aiming to recognise institutions fostering globally inclusive academic environments. In terms of regional progress, Hong Kong SAR and Ireland have been identified as among the most improved education systems in this year's review, indicating broader global advancement in higher education standards.
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2 days ago
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UK Parliament Votes For Assisted Dying Paving Way For Historic Law Change
London: Britain's parliament voted on Friday in favour of a bill to legalise assisted dying, paving the way for the country's biggest social change in a generation. 314 lawmakers voted in favour, with 291 against the bill, clearing its biggest parliamentary hurdle. The "Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life)" law would give mentally competent, terminally ill adults in England and Wales with six months or less left to live the right to choose to end their lives with medical help. The vote puts Britain on course to follow Australia, Canada and other countries, as well as some US states, in permitting assisted dying. Supporters say it will provide dignity and compassion to people suffering, but opponents worry that vulnerable people could be coerced into ending their lives. The bill now proceeds to Britain's upper chamber, the House of Lords, where it will undergo months of scrutiny. While there could be further amendments, the unelected Lords will be reluctant to block legislation that has been passed by elected members of the House of Commons. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government was neutral on the legislation, meaning politicians voted according to their conscience rather than along party lines. Starmer had previously said he was in favour of allowing assisted dying. Opinion polls show that a majority of Britons back assisted dying. Friday's vote followed hours of emotional debate and references to personal stories in the chamber, and followed a vote in November that approved the legislation in principle. The vote took place 10 years after parliament last voted against allowing assisted dying. Opponents of the bill had argued that ill people may feel they should end their lives for fear of being a burden to their families and society, and some lawmakers withdrew their support after the initial vote last year, saying safeguards had been weakened. The 314 to 291 vote for the bill compared to last November's result, which was 330 to 275 in favour. In the original plan, an assisted death would have required court approval. That has been replaced by a requirement for a judgment by a panel including a social worker, a senior legal figure and a psychiatrist, which is seen by some as a watering down. The Labour lawmaker who proposed the bill, Kim Leadbeater, said that the legislation still offered some of the most robust protections in the world against the coercion of vulnerable people. Hundreds of campaigners, both in favour and against the legislation, gathered outside parliament on Friday to watch the vote on their mobile phones. Those in favour chanted "my decision, my choice", holding up posters that said "my life, my death" and photos of relatives who they said had died in pain. Those against the legislation held up placards that said "let's care not kill" and "kill the bill, not the ill".
