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

Abstract

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.

Association of Euterpe oleracea, Bixa orellana, Myciaria dubia, and Astrocaryum aculeatum (The Terasen® nutraceutical) Increases the Lifespan of Caenorhabditis Elegans

“…[47] showed that C. elegans subjected to oxidative stress with hydrogen peroxide had decreased lifespan and increased lipofuscin accumulation. On the other hand, animals treated with a tocotrienols-rich fraction had restored lifespan and reduced lipofuscin [48] reported that the lipophilic extract of B. orellana increased the median and maximum lifespan by 35% and 27%, increasing oxidative and thermal stress without affecting the fertility (which is different from what was observed here). According to the authors, the effect depended on the insulin/insulin growth factor-1 pathway.…”

Association of Euterpe oleracea, Bixa orellana, Myciaria dubia, and Astrocaryum aculeatum (the Terasen® Nutraceutical) Increases the Lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans

“…Studies in the literature report that some plant secondary metabolites can aid in longevity by acting on molecular pathways that modulate stress resistance and metabolic efficiency. In line with the results observed here, some phytochemical compounds present in Terasen ® have been reported to increase the lifespan and stress resilience in C. elegans and other organism, including anthocyanins [26][27][28][29][30][31][32], quercetin [33,34], polyphenols [28,35], carotenoids [36,37], and tocotrienols [38,39].…”