Plant and fungal products that extend lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a useful model to study aging due to its short lifespan, ease of manipulation, and available genetic tools. Several molecules and extracts derived from plants and fungi extend the lifespan of C. elegans by modulating aging-related pathways that are conserved in more complex organisms. Modulation of aging pathways leads to activation of autophagy, mitochondrial biogenesis and expression of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes in a manner similar to caloric restriction. Low and moderate concentrations of plant and fungal molecules usually extend lifespan, while high concentrations are detrimental, consistent with a lifespan-modulating mechanism involving hormesis. We review here molecules and extracts derived from plants and fungi that extend the lifespan of C. elegans, and explore the possibility that these natural substances may produce health benefits in humans.

Ganoderma lucidum stimulates autophagy-dependent longevity pathways in Caenorhabditis elegans and human cells

“…Accordingly, the abundance of the fibrillarin protein FIB-1—a nucleolar rRNA 2’-O-methyltransferase involved in processing of pre-rRNA—negatively correlates with lifespan and can thus be used as a marker to study longevity [ 28 ]. We used a transgenic nematode strain (SJL1) described earlier [ 20 , 29 ] which expresses a FIB-1 construct coupled with green fluorescent protein (GFP; Supplementary Figure 1A , 1B ) to identify natural products that affect aging. Under fluorescence microscopy, we observed that GL reduced FIB-1::GFP intensity in a dose-dependent manner, compared with water control ( Figure 1A ).…”

“…We show here that GL and sub-fraction 10K-2 containing polysaccharides, oligosaccharides and possibly other compounds of low molecular weight extend lifespan in nematodes by inducing autophagy and stress resistance. Autophagy can improve cellular functions by reducing the amount of damaged proteins and organelles, while stress resistance pathways involving daf-16 and sir-2.1 can produce benefits by inducing expression of heat-shock proteins as well as antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes [ 20 ]. Our results are consistent with previous studies showing that G. lucidum water extract can extend lifespan in C. elegans [ 26 , 27 ].…”

“…Since CR mimetics such as aspirin and rapamycin can produce unwanted side effects, identification of new and safe CR mimetics is needed. In this context, Caenorhabditis elegans represents a useful model for identifying CR mimetics from natural health products due to its short lifespan, ease of manipulation, and tractable genetics [ 20 ], even though many precautions need to be considered [ 21 ].…”

G6PD deficiency, redox homeostasis, and viral infections: implications for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

“…An mTOR inhibitor reduces infection, improves vaccination responses, and enhances the anti-viral response in the elderly [140]. Metformin is a common diabetic drug that indirectly inhibits mTOR and extends life span in animals [141]. The mortality rate drops in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 who have received metformin [142,143].…”

An extract of Rosaceae, Solanaceae and Zingiberaceae increases health span and mobility in Caenorhabditis elegans

“…Together, these features make C. elegans an ideal model to screen natural compounds that extend lifespan and investigate their positive health effects [ 10 – 15 ]. Indeed, there is a whole array of plant bioactive molecules that have been shown to extend the lifespan of C. elegans [ 16 ] and many of these are already consumed either as the fruit or as a dietary supplement. Strikingly, many of the compounds that have a positive effect on lifespan, also have a positive effect on health span i.e., improving physiological function [ 14 , 17 , 18 ].…”