ThisisLondon 'Anti-ageing' pill on sale in France

by Zoe Morris and Toby Rose

A "miracle" pill said to reverse ageing and restore libido has gone on sale in French chemists today.

The controversial hormone DHEA, or dehdroepiandrosterone, is produced naturally by the body but levels diminish after the age of 30.

Studies in France appear to have shown that by taking the hormone as a supplement the skin, bones and libido are strengthened.

French researcher Professor Etienne-Emile Baulieu has been studying the DHEA compound for three years. He claims his research has shown that a daily dose of 50mg produces glowing skin and a lively libido, particularly in women over 70.

Claude Lepage, 55, who took part in the trials, said: "I've found a new youth. My skin has become younger and more supple. My body is also a lot more supple."

Madame Lepage also said it gave her a new zest for life and boosted her libido. From today the hormone will be sold over the counter in French chemists for around £10 for a month's supply of 25mg tablets and £20 for 50mg pills.

However, there have been fears about possible links to cancer since DHEA was first produced in America seven years ago. The first trials of the drug took place in California in 1994, but were followed two years later by warnings that the long-term results of raising hormone levels are not clear.

Many cancers, including breast and prostate, are hormone-related but the effects may not surface for 30 years. New research on a possible link between DHEA and cancer is expected to be published soon.

Professor Baulieu said he did not expect the sale of the pill to lead to an increase in cancers, but added: "I recommend that women who have had cancer of the breast or the uterus, or those close to them who have suffered these cancers, do not take DHEA."

In France, DHEA is classified as a food supplement and can now be bought over the counter. Despite having a wide following in the United States and being available for sale over the internet, DHEA is only available on prescription in Britain and is not commonly used. It is classified as a controlled drug and can only be prescribed under certain circumstances. However, it is available over the internet to British customers who can expect to pay around £11 for 100 capsules.

Only last week the Evening Standard revealed that the French had come up with a similar pill to simulate the effects of red wine. The powdered wine tablets contain all the beneficial ingredients of vin rouge but no alcohol.

Made with grapes from the CTMtes du RhTMne and Roussillon wine-growing regions, they have been developed by around 20,000 producers from south-west France. The health-boosting polyphenols in red wine are reputed to help prevent illnesses ranging from Alzheimer's dis-ease to heart attacks.

While most British and French people drink enough real wine to benefit from the polyphenols, French winemakers spotted a gap in the market in countries such as the US where red wine is drunk less.

Research into powdered wine began four years ago after declining sales of cheaper wines forced the Société Francaise de Distilleries to look to new avenues for profit.

-- Anonymous, June 11, 2001