The lifespan-extending effects of Nymphaea hybrid root extract in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans

Bioactive molecules in wheat "Senatore Cappelli" food chain: Extraction, analysis, processing, and beneficial properties

Ancient grains, once forgotten due to the dominance of high-yield modern crops, are making a comeback due to concerns over biodiversity loss and global food challenges. This study examines the nutritional composition, safety, and health benefits of Senatore Cappelli, an ancient Italian durum wheat variety (SCW), highlighting its potential as a functional food. Using a multi-method approach, SCW was analyzed across four food chain stages (seeds, flour, pasta, and chaff) for compositional changes, phytochemical content, and safety. The safety of raw material was assessed by determination of biogenic amines, pesticides, mycotoxins and pathogenic microorganisms. The chemical profile detected by NMR spectroscopy revealed the presence of bioactive molecules such as phenolic acids and carotenoids in the case of chaff. The toxicity of ethanolic extracts was evaluated using in vitro assays on murine BV-2 microglial cells and in vivo assays on Caenorhabditis elegans animal model. No cytotoxic effects were detected at concentrations up to 250 ng/mL for chaff extract and 1000 ng/mL for seed, flour, and pasta extracts. Additionally, SCW extracts extended the lifespan of C. elegans, indicating potential anti-aging and health-promoting properties. These results position SCW as a valuable resource for enhancing bioactive compounds, supporting its reintroduction into modern diets and its use in functional food development.

Flavonoids and Other Polyphenols: Bioactive Molecules from Traditional Medicine Recipes/Medicinal Plants and Their Potential for Phytopharmaceutical and Medical Application

Currently, natural bioactive ingredients and/or raw materials are of significant interest to scientists around the world. Flavonoids and other polyphenols are a major group of phytochemicals that have been researched and noted as bioactive molecules. They offer several pharmacological and medical benefits. This current review aims to (1) illustrate their benefits for human health, such as antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and UV-protective effects, and also (2) to perform a quality evaluation of traditional medicines for future application. Consequently, keywords were searched on Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed so as to search for related publications. Then, those publications were carefully checked in order to find current and non-redundant studies that matched the objective of this review. According to this review, researchers worldwide are very interested in discovering the potential of flavonoids and other polyphenols, used in traditional medicines and taken from medicinal plants, in relation to medical and pharmaceutical applications. Many studies focus on the health benefits of flavonoids and other polyphenols have been tested using in silico, in vitro, and in vivo models. However, few studies have been carried out using clinical trials that have trustworthy subject sizes and are in accordance with clinical practice guidelines. Additionally, interesting research directions and perspectives for future studies are highlighted in this work.

Extraction Optimization, Characterization and Biological Activities of Polysaccharide Extracts from Nymphaea hybrid

In this study, polysaccharide-rich Nymphaea hybrid extracts (NHE) were obtained using the ultrasound-assisted cellulase extraction (UCE) method optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). The structural properties and thermal stability of NHE were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and thermogravimetry-derivative thermogravimetry (TG-DTG) analysis, respectively. Moreover, the bioactivities of NHE, including the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, whitening and scratch healing activities were evaluated by different in vitro assays. NHE conveyed a good ability to scavenge against the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals and inhibit the hyaluronidase activity. NHE can effectively protect the HaCaT cells against oxidative damage by inhibiting the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the H₂O₂ stimulation assays and promoting the proliferation and migration in the scratch assays. In addition, NHE was proven to inhibit melanin production in B16 cells. Collectively, the above results seem to be the evidence needed to promote the potential of NHE to be regarded as a new functional raw material in the cosmetics or food industries.

The aqueous extract of Fridericia chica grown in northern Colombia ameliorates toxicity induced by Tergitol on Caenorhabditis elegans

The aqueous extract of fallen leaves from Fridericia chica (Bonpl.) L.G. Lohmann is utilized as a remedy in communities at northern Colombia. Traditional uses include wound healing, gastrointestinal inflammation, leukemia and psoriasis, among others. The aims of this research were to evaluate the potential of the aqueous extract of fallen leaves of F. chica (AEFchica) to inhibit ethoxylated nonylphenol (Tergitol)-induced toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans; and to identify its main components. The pharmacological properties of AEFchica was evaluated using a Tergitol-induced toxicity model in Caenorhabditis elegans. Lethality, locomotion, reproduction, and DAF-16 nuclear translocation were quantified. The chemical composition of AEFchica was carried out using ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. AEFchica induced very little lethality on C. elegans (5.6%) even at high concentrations (10,000 μg/mL). The extract had no effect on locomotion impairing induced by ethoxylated nonylphenol. However, AEFchica (1000 μg/mL) abrogated Tergitol-induced mortality, recovering up to 53.3% of the nematodes from lethality induced by 10 mM Tergitol. Similarly, it also blocked Tergitol-dependent reproduction inhibition (82.1% recovery), as well as DAF-16 nuclear translocation (>95%), suggesting a prominent role on oxidative stress control. The chemical analysis indicated the presence of a great variety of molecules with known antioxidant, metabolic and immune modulator properties, such as hydroxylated methoxy flavones, N-methyl-1-deoxynojirimycin, and rehmaionoside A. In short, the aqueous extract of F. chica protects C. elegans from the deleterious effects of Tergitol on lethality, reproduction and oxidative stress involving DAF-16-mediated pathway. This extract is a promising source of bioactive phytochemicals for multi-target pharmacological purposes.

Ethyl acetate fraction from Nymphaea hybrida Peck modulates inflammatory responses in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and acute inflammation murine models

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Nymphaea hybrida Peck is used as a traditional medicinal herb for treating pain and inflammatory diseases, and known for its ornamental value and as a hot drink. However, the effects of N. hybrida polar fractions on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced in vitro inflammation model and acute inflammation murine models have yet to be evaluated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to elucidate the anti-inflammatory effects of N. hybrida ethanol extract (NHE) and its polar fractions: petroleum ether (PE), methylene chloride (MC), ethyl acetate (EA), methanol (ME), and water (WA). The underlying molecular mechanisms of active fraction in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages were further investigated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fractions with potential anti-inflammatory effects were screened using direct nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibition assays in vitro. The anti-inflammatory properties of potential fraction were evaluated in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, xylene-induced ear edema, carrageenan-induced paw edema and xylene-induced Evans blue exudation of acute inflammation murine models. The regulation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were investigated using western blotting and immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

Compared to other polar fractions, NHE-EA displayed higher phenol and flavonoid content, and exerted greater activity in direct NO radical scavenging and COX-2 inhibition assay in vitro. NHE-EA markedly decreased the levels of inflammatory mediators, NO and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), by suppressing the over-expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and COX-2 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The NHE-EA fraction dose-dependently alleviated over-elevation of LPS-associated intracellular calcium and decreased the abnormal secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). The combination with NHE-EA effectively attenuated the activation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65, and the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), and p38 kinases of MAPK pathways. NHE-EA could significantly ameliorate the degree of swelling of the mice ear and paw, the skin exudation of Evans blue and the excessive secretion of inflammatory cytokines.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that NHE-EA was the most active polar fraction of N. hybrida extracts. It inhibited the LPS-associated inflammatory response by blocking the activation of NF-κB and MAPKs pathways in RAW264.7 cells. It also effectively alleviated the inflammatory response of acute inflammation. These results indicated the role of NHE-EA as adjuvants and their potential role in alternative strategy for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Achiote (Bixa orellana) Lipophilic Extract, Bixin, and δ-tocotrienol Effects on Lifespan and Stress Resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans

The onset of many degenerative diseases related to aging has been associated with a decrease in the activity of antistress systems, and pharmacological interventions increasing stress resistance could be effective to prevent the development of such diseases. Achiote is a valuable source of carotenoid and tocotrienols, which have antioxidant activity. In this work, we explore the capacity of an achiote seed extract and its main compounds to modulate the lifespan and antistress responses on Caenorhabditis elegans, as well as the mechanisms involved in these effects. Achiote lipophilic extract, bixin, and δ-tocotrienol were applied on nematodes to carry out lifespan, stress resistance, and fertility assays. The achiote seed extract increased the median and maximum lifespan up to 35% and 27% and increased resistance against oxidative and thermal stresses without adverse effects on fertility. The beneficial effects were mimicked by a bixin+δ-tocotrienol mixture. All the effects on lifespan and stress resistance were independent of caloric restriction but dependent on the insulin/insulin growth factor-1 pathway. This study could provide insights for further research on a new beneficial use of this important crop in health and nutraceutical applications beyond its use as a source of natural pigments.

Enhanced Healthspan in Caenorhabditis elegans Treated With Extracts From the Traditional Chinese Medicine Plants Cuscuta chinensis Lam. and Eucommia ulmoides Oliv

To uncover potential anti-aging capacities of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans was used to investigate the effects of Eucommia ulmoides and Cuscuta chinensis extracts, selected by screening seven TCM extracts, on different healthspan parameters. Nematodes exposed to E. ulmoides and C. chinensis extracts, starting at the young adult stage, exhibited prolonged lifespan and increased survival after heat stress as well as upon exposure to the pathogenic bacterium Photorhabdus luminescens, whereby the survival benefits were monitored after stress initiation at different adult stages. However, only C. chinensis had the ability to enhance physical fitness: the swimming behavior and the pharyngeal pumping rate of C. elegans were improved at day 7 and especially at day 12 of adulthood. Finally, monitoring the red fluorescence of aged worms revealed that only C. chinensis extracts caused suppression of intestinal autofluorescence, a known marker of aging. The results underline the different modes of action of the tested plants extracts. E. ulmoides improved specifically the physiological fitness by increasing the survival probability of C. elegans after stress, while C. chinensis seems to be an overall healthspan enhancer, reflected in the suppressed autofluorescence, with beneficial effects on physical as well as physiological fitness. The C. chinensis effects may be hormetic: this is supported by increased gene expression of hsp-16.1 and by trend, also of hsp-12.6.

Therapeutic potential of bioactive compounds from Punica granatum extracts against aging and complicity of FOXO orthologue DAF-16 in Caenorhabditis elegans

Some natural fruits have significant importance in improving health which provides many nutritional supplements essential to maintain proper metabolism with the age. In this study, phytochemical screening of extract (methanolic) of Punica granatum arils, outer and inner peels was confirmed by the respective spot tests. Quantification of phytochemical constituents revealed the plentiful of total phenols in the outer peels in comparison to inner peels and juice whereas total flavonoids and vitamin C are abundant in inner peel and juice, respectively. High-performance liquid chromatography, Gas chromatography along with mass spectrometry and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed the presence of compound 9, 17-octadecadienal, (Z) in the outer/inner peels. A compound N-hexadecanoic acid was also observed in the outer peels. Extracts from every section of the fruits were comprehensively evaluated for their antioxidant activity. Contrary to fruit aril juice, the extracts of outer and inner peels exhibited significant and dose-dependent in vitro antioxidant and radical-scavenging potentials. The supplementation of P. granatum extracts (PGEs) significantly enhanced the lifespan of C. elegans. The protective effect of PGEs was also observed against oxidative stress in C. elegans. Additionally, the involvement of FOXO orthologue DAF-16 dependent longevity was obtained with PGEs (outer peel and inner peel) fed TJ356 worms. Overall, the results indicate the vital role of PGEs especially the extracts of outer peels in life-saving mechanisms of C. elegans by virtue of their antioxidant asset and life-prolonging effects via daf-16 dependent Insulin signaling pathway. See also Figure 1(Fig. 1).

Effects of Abies sibirica terpenes on cancer- and aging-associated pathways in human cells

A large number of terpenoids exhibit potential geroprotector and anti-cancer properties. Here, we studied whole transcriptomic effects of Abisil, the extract of fir (Abies sibirica) terpenes, on normal and cancer cell lines. We used early passaged and senescent none-immortalized fibroblasts as cellular aging models. It was revealed that in normal fibroblasts, terpenes induced genes of stress response, apoptosis regulation and tissue regeneration. The restoration of the expression level of some prolongevity genes after fir extract treatment was shown in old cells. In Caco-2 and AsPC-1 cancer cell lines, Abisil induced expression of both onco-suppressors (members of GADD45, DUSP, and DDIT gene families), and proto-oncogenes (c-Myc, c-Jun, EGR and others). Thus, the study demonstrates the potential anti-aging and anti-cancer effects of Abisil on senescent and cancer cell lines.

Chrysin functionalized NHC–Au(i) complexes: synthesis, characterization and effects on the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans

The synthesis and biological effects on the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansof chrysin functionalized Au(i)–NHC complexes are reported.

Screening lifespan-extending drugs in Caenorhabditis elegans via label propagation on drug-protein networks

Background

One of the most challenging tasks in the exploration of anti-aging is to discover drugs that can promote longevity and delay the incidence of age-associated diseases of human. Up to date, a number of drugs, including some antioxidants, metabolites and synthetic compounds, have been found to effectively delay the aging of nematodes and insects.

Results

We proposed a label propagation algorithm on drug-protein network to infer drugs that can extend the lifespan of C. elegans. We collected a set of drugs of which functions on lifespan extension of C. elegans have been reliably determined, and then built a large-scale drug-protein network by collecting a set of high-confidence drugprotein interactions. A label propagation algorithm was run on the drug-protein bipartite network to predict new drugs with lifespan-extending effect on C. elegans. We calibrated the performance of the proposed method by conducting performance comparison with two classical models, kNN and SVM. We also showed that the screened drugs significantly mediate in the aging-related pathways, and have higher chemical similarities to the effective drugs than ineffective drugs in promoting longevity of C. elegans. Moreover, we carried out wet-lab experiments to verify a screened drugs, 2- Bromo-4’-nitroacetophenone, and found that it can effectively extend the lifespan of C. elegans. These results showed that our method is effective in screening lifespanextending drugs in C. elegans.

Conclusions

In this paper, we proposed a semi-supervised algorithm to predict drugs with lifespan-extending effects on C. elegans. In silico empirical evaluations and in vivo experiments in C. elegans have demonstrated that our method can effectively narrow down the scope of candidate drugs needed to be verified by wet lab experiments.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12918-016-0362-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A literature review of flavonoids and lifespan in model organisms

Epidemiological data on consumption of flavonoid-containing food points to the notion that some of these secondary plant metabolites may favour healthy ageing. The aim of the present paper was to review the literature on lifespan extension by flavonoids in worms, flies and mice. In most studies, worms and flies experienced lifespan extension when supplemented with flavonoids either as extracts or single compounds. Studies with mutant worms and flies give hints as to which gene products may be regulated by flavonoids and consequently enhance longevity. We discuss the data considering putative mechanisms that may underlie flavonoid action such as energy-restriction-like effects, inhibition of insulin-like-growth-factor signalling, induction of antioxidant defence mechanisms, hormesis as well as antimicrobial properties. However, it remains uncertain whether human lifespan could be prolonged by increased flavonoid intake.