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Hindustan Times
22-06-2025
- Health
- 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.
Scottish Sun
20-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Sex drug Viagra has surprising new health benefit and could help 3 million ageing Brits, say scientists
Studies have since suggested it might also reduce dementia risk HARDEN UP Sex drug Viagra has surprising new health benefit and could help 3 million ageing Brits, say scientists SEX aid pill Viagra helps stiffen your skeleton, a study suggests. The little blue tablet was found to increase production of vital bone cells — so could one day prevent back pain and fractures in old age. Advertisement Researchers found sildenafil, which is branded as Viagra, helped human stem cells transform into osteoblasts, the bone-building cells. These are vital as the human skeleton regenerates and is completely replaced roughly once every ten years. As we age, we lose more bone than we build, increasing the risk of breaks or osteoporosis, which makes bones brittle and painful. The Peking University team's follow-up tests on mice also suggested sildenafil would prevent bone loss. Advertisement Dr Menglong Hu and Dr Likun Wu said: '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.' More than three million Britons suffer osteoporosis. Other treatments exist but the researchers said it would be handy to have more cheap and readily available drugs. They said: 'Any new drug must be evaluated. This is time-consuming, expensive and risky. But sildenafil is approved and safe.' Advertisement Viagra was invented as a heart drug in the 1980s before it was found to help with erectile dysfunction. Studies have since suggested it might also reduce dementia risk. Why You Should Think Twice Before Popping Viagra Just For Fun (1)
The Irish Sun
20-06-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Sex drug Viagra has surprising new health benefit and could help 3 million ageing Brits, say scientists
SEX aid pill Viagra helps stiffen your skeleton, a study suggests. The little blue tablet was found to increase production of vital bone cells — so could one day prevent back pain and fractures in old age. Advertisement Researchers found sildenafil, which is branded as Viagra, helped human stem cells transform into osteoblasts, the bone-building cells. These are vital as the human skeleton regenerates and is completely replaced roughly once every ten years. As we age, we lose more bone than we build, increasing the risk of breaks or osteoporosis, which makes bones brittle and painful. The Peking University team's follow-up tests on mice also suggested sildenafil would prevent bone loss. Advertisement READ MORE ON VIAGRA Dr Menglong Hu and Dr Likun Wu said: '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.' More than three million Britons suffer drugs . They said: 'Any new drug must be evaluated. This is time-consuming, expensive and risky. But sildenafil is approved and safe.' Advertisement Most read in Health Exclusive Studies have since suggested it might also reduce dementia risk. Why You Should Think Twice Before Popping Viagra Just For Fun (1) 1 Viagra could be useful in treating osteoporosis, scientists now believe Credit: Getty
