Ana Aslan
| Ana Aslan | |
|---|---|
 Ana Aslan in 1970 | |
| Born |
1 January 1897 Brăila, Kingdom of Romania |
| Died |
20 May 1988 (aged 91) Bucharest, Socialist Republic of Romania |
| Fields | Gerontology, Geriatrics |
| Institutions | National Institute of Gerontology and Geriatrics (founder) |
| Alma mater | Faculty of Medicine, Bucharest (1915–1922) |
| Known for | Gerovital |
Ana Aslan (Romanian pronunciation: [ˈana asˈlan]; 1 January 1897 – 20 May 1988) was a Romanian biologist and physician who discovered the anti-aging effects of procaine, based on which she developed the drugs Gerovital H3 and Aslavital. She is considered to be a pioneer of gerontology and geriatrics in Romania. In 1952, she founded the Geriatric Institute of Bucharest. This institute was the first of its kind in the world[1] and was recognized by the World Health Organization.
Gerovital
While investigating the pain-relieving effects of procaine in patients with arthritis, Ana Aslan discovered that the drug also produced other beneficial effects, such as an improvement of skin and hair aspect, better memory, and a general feeling of well-being.[2][3] Based on this discovery, she developed the anti-aging drug Gerovital H3 (1952). Later, together with Elena Polovrăgeanu, she created an improved formula marketed as Aslavital (1961).
The beneficial effects of Gerovital have been scientifically recognized.[4] However, some studies have failed to replicate the anti-aging effects (see main article). Gerovital is currently banned in the U.S. by the FDA as an "unapproved new drug".
Awards
Ana Aslan received many international distinctions for her research activity, for example:
- “Cross of Merit” – First Class of the Order of Merit, Germany, 1971
- “Cavalier de la Nouvelle Europe” Prize Oscar, Italy, 1973
- “Les Palmes Academiques”, France, 1974
- “Honorary Foreign Citizen and Honorary Professor of Sciences”, Philippines, 1978
- “Member Honoris Causa” Diploma of the Bohemo-Slovakian Society of Gerontology, 1981
- “Leon Bernard” Prize, important distinction granted by the World Health Organization upon nomination and endorsement by officials of a member state (in this case by the Romanian Nicolae Ceauşescu) for contributing to the development of gerontology and geriatrics, 1982
Cosmetic lines
Ana Aslan patented two cosmetic products (hair lotion and cream Gerovital H3), entrusting their production to Farmec company and Miraj. The two companies have since diversified their range of cosmetics, and traditional procaine hydrochloride was eliminated from the formula.[5]
References
- ↑ Dumitrascu, D. L.; Shampo, M. A.; Kyle, R. A. (1998). "Ana Aslan--founder of the first Institute of Geriatrics". Mayo Clinic proceedings 73 (10): 960. doi:10.4065/73.10.960. PMID 9787745.
- ↑ Parhon, C. I., & Aslan, A. (1955). Novocaina; factor eutrofic şi întineritor în tratamentul profilactic şi curativ al bătrînetii. Editura Academiei Republicii Populare Romîne.
- ↑ Dean, W. (2001). DMAE and PABA—An alternative to Gerovital (GH3), the “Romanian Youth Drug”. Vitamin Research News, 15, 9.
- ↑ Kapoor, V. K.; Dureja, J; Chadha, R (2009). "Synthetic drugs with anti-ageing effects". Drug Discovery Today 14 (17–18): 899–904. doi:10.1016/j.drudis.2009.07.006. PMID 19638318.
- ↑ Branciulescu, Adina Elixirul Anei Aslan, National Geographic Romania.
External links
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ana Aslan. |
- "Ana Aslan" Institute of Gerontology and Geriatrics Official Website
- Ana Aslan, Encyclopedia of Romania (in Romanian)