Increase in Drosophila melanogaster longevity due to rasayana diet: Preliminary results

Abstract

We report preliminary results from an ongoing series of experiments on lifespan extension by appropriately modified Ayurvedic rasayanas in animal models. Here data are presented indicating lifespan extensions of 51–55% (up to 70–95% in the pilot experiment) in a standard strain of Drosophila melanogaster (Oregon-K) using a standard rasayana (Ayurvedic herbal formulation for life-extension) suitably adapted for insects. In a first experiment, two groups of 20 unmated D. melanogaster strain Oregon-K kept at 22°C received either rasayana or standard yeast diet; days of death were recorded. Another experiment investigated possible sex differences; equal sized (N = 30) groups of similar males, females, and controls were compared. Life lengths of all controls were in the strain's usual range: in Experiment 1, control life lengths were minimum 40 to maximum 53 days; experimental group figures were 81–91 days; groups were completely separated, experimental group minimum life length being 28 days more than control group maximum life length, i.e., about 2.5 full distribution widths – a sign test for the null hypothesis yields p < 2–20, i.e., 10–6 as maximum p. Experiment 2 found no differences between life lengths of males and females; but the maximum life length of 30 controls (60 days in males and 66 days in females) was once again far shorter than the minimum life length of the 60 in the two experimental groups, strengthening the findings of Experiment 1. Despite group sizes being relatively small, results are conclusive: the rasayanas in question increase D. melanogaster strain Oregon-K life length. The complexity of the formulation suggests that multiple mechanisms are involved – worth further investigation.

In Vivo Effects Of Traditional Ayurvedic Formulations in Drosophila melanogaster Model Relate with Therapeutic Applications

“…However, effects of complete AR on life history traits have rarely been examined. Two recent reports have claimed that dietary provision of a “modified” AR dramatically enhances longevity of flies [37] , [38] . Compared to the near doubling of life span claimed in these two publications, the increase in median life span observed in our study following 0.5% AR feeding is modest.…”

“…Compared to the near doubling of life span claimed in these two publications, the increase in median life span observed in our study following 0.5% AR feeding is modest. It is, however, to be noted that these two reports [37] , [38] are based on rather small sizes of samples of control and formulation-fed flies; moreover, these studies do not provide the required details of the actual formulation used and the quantity provided to flies. Therefore, results claimed in these studies remain uncertain [39] .…”

Pomegranate Juice Enhances Healthy Lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster: An Exploratory Study

“…D. melanogaster has also been used as a model by researchers to study Rasayanas. An insect specific Rasayana was developed that was found to increase lifespan by 50% in Drosophila model ( 24 ). Dwivedi et al ( 25 ) reported that Amalaki Rasayana, an herbal formulation and Rasa-Sindoor an organo-metallic derivative of mercury were capable of increasing life-span and fecundity in fruit flies.…”

“…Fruits like cranberry ( 19 ), blueberry ( 20 ), orange, lemon ( 21 ), apple polyphenols ( 22 ), and cocoa ( 23 ) have been shown to enhance lifespan in Drosophila model. A few Ayurvedic formulations have also been tested for their bioactive potential in the Drosophila model ( 24 , 25 ).…”

Ayurveda, evidence-base and scientific rigor

“…In this light, correspondence published in this issue about the transdisciplinary article by Priyadarshini et al [ 4 ] has a special significance. We would like to thank M. S. Valiathan, an esteemed member of our Editorial Advisory Board, for sharing serious concerns expressed by S. C. Lakhotia about this paper (see pages 171–172, this issue).…”