There might be hope for anti-aging compounds after all, according to University of Michigan researchers.

A synthetic derivative of a pungent desert shrub is being tested in mice experiments to find out if certain chemicals (known to inhibit inflammation, cancer and other destructive processes) can be anti-aging agents.

The scientists were surprised to find so quickly that one agent showed promise: NDGA, a compound derived from creosote bushes. These common North American desert shrubs have been traditionally used by native americans as healing remedies.

Early results of the study have recently been presented by University of Michigan scientist Richard A. Miller at the annual meeting of the American Aging Association.

Find more details from the full report.

[photo credit: wikipedia]