Caffeine and related purine alkaloids are common ingredients of many stimulating drinks. Studies have shown that lower concentrations of caffeine have a protective role in aging-related disorders. ...However, the associated mode of action of caffeine and its related methylxanthines is still not clear. In this study, we demonstrated that caffeine and theophylline promote longevity in
. Lifespan studies with the wild type, DAF-16 and SKN-1 mutant strains indicated that the methylxanthines-mediated lifespan extension in
was independent of DAF-16/FOXO and SKN-1. All the tested methylxanthines could protect
against acute oxidative stress. At early stages of life, an increase of ROS (reactive oxygen species) induced the translocation of DAF-16 and SKN-1, resulting in upregulation of several antioxidant genes, for example,
::GFP,
::GFP,
::GFP; and downregulation of
::GFP. RT-PCR corroborates the upregulation of
and
genes. The expression of DAF-16 decreased although its nuclear translocation was induced.
Utilizing bioassay- and TLC-guided column chromatography, fifteen secondary metabolites from
and eight compounds from
were isolated, including a novel plant metabolite salicyl ether and characterized ...using ultralviolet light (UV) absorbance, mass spectrometry (MS),
H-,
C-NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance), heteronuclear single quantum coherence spectroscopy (HSQC) and heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (HMBC). The extracts, their sub-fractions and the isolated compounds exhibited promising antioxidant activities in vitro in DPPH and FRAP assays. Also, the extracts of
leaf (PL), shoots (PS), and
leaf (SL) demonstrated substantial antioxidant activities in vivo in the multicellular model organism
. For the first time, the isolated secondary metabolites, aromadendrin, tremuloidin, salicin, isorhamnetin-3-
-β-d-rutinoside, gallocatechin, triandrin, and chrysoeriol-7-
-glucuronide were investigated. They exhibited substantial antioxidant activities in vivo. Salicin, isorhamnetin-3-
-β-d-rutinoside and gallocatechin, in particular, protected the worms against a lethal dose of the pro-oxidant juglone (80 µM), decreased the endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) level to 45.34%, 47.31%, 68.09% and reduced juglone- induced hsp-16.2::GFP (green fluorescence protein) expression to 79.62%, 70.17%, 26.77%, respectively. However, only gallocatechin induced higher levels of sod-3 expression. These findings support the traditional use of
and
for treating inflammation especially when ROS are involved.
(Huber) Cuatrec (Humiriaceae), known as uxi or uxi-amarelo in Brazil, is an endemic tree of the Amazon forest. In traditional medicine, its stem bark is used to treat a variety of health disorders, ...including cancer, diabetes, arthritis, uterine inflammation, and gynecological infections. According to HPLC analysis, the main constituent of the bark extract is the polyphenol bergenin. In the current study, we demonstrate by in vitro and in vivo experiments the antioxidant potential of a water extract from the stem bark of
. When tested in the model organism
the extract enhanced stress resistance via the DAF-16/FOXO pathway. Additionally, the extract promoted an increase in the lifespan of the worms independent from caloric restriction. It also attenuated the age-related muscle function decline and formation of polyQ40 plaques, as a model for Huntington's disease. Thus, these data support anti-aging and anti-oxidant properties of
, which has not yet been described. More studies are needed to assess the real benefits of
bark for human health and its toxicological profile.
Thymus albicans is an endemic species of the Iberian Peninsula with a vulnerable conservation status. In an attempt to contribute to the valorization of this species, the present study brings new ...insights on the antifungal and anti-inflammatory mechanism of action of T. albicans essential oil. The antifungal activity of the oil and its major compounds was assessed for the first time against standard and clinically isolated strains of yeasts and filamentous fungi. The effect on the two major virulence factors of Candida albicans (germ tube formation and biofilm disruption) was considered in more detail. At 0.08 μL/mL, the oil inhibited C. albicans germ tube formation by more than 40% and decreased biofilm biomass at MIC values, thus pointing out its antivirulent potential. The anti-inflammatory activity of the essential oil was investigated on LPS-stimulated mouse macrophages (RAW 264.7) by evaluating the levels of several pro-inflammatory mediators, namely nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). T. albicans oil reduced the production of nitrites, a NO derived sub-product, at non-cytotoxic concentrations of 0.32 and 0.64 μL/mL, by 27 and 41%, respectively. In addition, the iNOS protein levels of essential oil pre-treated cells were reduced by 14%. Overall, the high essential oil yield of T. albicans as well as its bioactive effects at concentrations without cytotoxicity, encourage further studies on the potential pharmacological applications of this species. Furthermore, these results raise awareness for the need to preserve endangered species that may hold relevant medicinal value.
The tiger milk mushroom,
(LR), exhibits antioxidant properties, as shown in a few in vitro experiments. The aim of this research was to study whether three LR extracts exhibit antioxidant activities ...in
. In wild-type N2 nematodes, we determined the survival rate under oxidative stress caused by increased intracellular ROS concentrations. Transgenic strains, including TJ356, TJ375, CF1553, CL2166, and LD1, were used to detect the expression of DAF-16, HSP-16.2, SOD-3, GST-4, and SKN-1, respectively. Lifespan, lipofuscin, and pharyngeal pumping rates were assessed. Three LR extracts (ethanol, and cold and hot water) protected the worms from oxidative stress and decreased intracellular ROS. The extracts exhibited antioxidant properties through the DAF-16/FOXO pathway, leading to SOD-3 and HSP-16.2 modification. However, the expression of SKN-1 and GST-4 was not changed. All the extracts extended the lifespan. They also reduced lipofuscin (a marker for aging) and influenced the pharyngeal pumping rate (another marker for aging). The extracts did not cause dietary restriction. This novel study provides evidence of the functional antioxidant and anti-aging properties of LR. Further studies must confirm that they are suitable for use as antioxidant supplements.
•Acai exhibits neuroprotective properties when tested in Caenorhabditis elegans.•Improves chemosensory response in worms exhibiting Aβ neuronal expression.•Attenuates the formation of PoliQ40 plaques ...in mutant worms.•Attenuates protein oxidation and strengthen stress resistance.
Acai is the given name of the fruits harvested from acaizeiro (Euterpe spp.), a palm tree found in the Amazon floodplain. These fruits are much appreciated due to their high nutritional value, which includes amino acids, fatty acids, dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals and polyphenolic compounds, and especially anthocyanins. Fruits rich in anthocyanins, such as blueberries, blackcurrant and bilberries, have been reported to perform neuroprotection. In the current work we demonstrate that the anthocyanin rich acai extract exerts neuroprotective effects, shown by the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. The extract improved the chemotaxis response in mutants with neuronal expression of Aβ. It significantly decreased the score of polyQ40::GFP aggregates and decreased protein oxidation levels. All together the results suggest that acai works through molecular mechanisms which strengthen the protein homeostasis and consequently attenuate neurotoxicity.
The tree popularly known in Brazil as mulateiro or pau-mulato (
(Benth.) K. Schum.) is deeply embedded in the herbal medicine of the Amazon region. Different preparations of the bark are claimed to ...have anti-aging, antioxidant, antimicrobial, emollient, wound healing, hemostatic, contraceptive, stimulant, and anti-diabetic properties. The current study aims to provide the first step towards a science-based evidence of the beneficial effects of
in the promotion of longevity and in the modulation of age-related markers. For this investigation, we used the model system
to evaluate in vivo antioxidant and anti-aging activity of a water extract from
. To chemically characterize the extract, HPLC MS (High Performance Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry)/MS analyses were performed. Five secondary metabolites were identified in the extract, namely gardenoside, 5-hydroxymorin, cyanidin, taxifolin, and 5-hydroxy-6-methoxycoumarin-7-glucoside.
extract was able to enhance stress resistance and to extend lifespan along with attenuation of aging-associated markers in
. The demonstrated bioactivities apparently depend on the DAF-16/FOXO pathway. The data might support the popular claims of mulateiro as the "tree of youth", however more studies are needed to clarify its putative benefits to human health.
(L.) Schott is a popular Asian tree widely used in traditional medicine. The current study explored the potential stress resistance and antioxidant activities of its fruits. Phytochemical profiling ...of the hydroalcoholic fruit extract was done via high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array-electrospray ionization-mass/mass (HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS). Twenty four phenolic constituents were tentatively identified in the extract. The
(
) nematode model in addition to trimethyltin (TMT)-induced neurotoxicity mouse model were used for in vivo evaluation of its antioxidant properties. The ability of the extract to enhance stress resistance was manifested through increasing survival rate by 44.7% and decreasing basal reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels by 72.3% in
. In addition, the extract increased the levels of the stress response enzyme superoxide dismutase-3 (Sod-3) by 55.5% and decreased the expression of heat shock protein-16.2 (Hsp-16.2) in nematodes, which had been challenged by juglone, by 21%. Using a mouse model, the extract significantly decreased the expression of the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA). Furthermore, an elevation in the levels of the antioxidant marker glutathione (GSH), SOD and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) enzymes were observed. Our findings imply that
has the potential to be used in future studies focusing on diseases associated with oxidative stress.
(Rubiaceae) has a recognized therapeutic potential against various diseases associated with oxidative stress. The aim of this research was to evaluate the antioxidant potential of an aqueous leaf ...extract (ALE) from
, and its major alkaloids mitraphylline and isomitraphylline. The antioxidant activity of ALE was investigated in vitro using standard assays (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP), while the in vivo activity and mode of action were studied using
as a model organism. The purified alkaloids did not exhibit antioxidant effects in vivo. ALE reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in wild-type worms, and was able to rescue the worms from a lethal dose of the pro-oxidant juglone. The ALE treatment led to a decreased expression of the oxidative stress response related genes
,
and
. The treatment of mutant worms lacking the DAF-16 transcription factor with ALE resulted in a significant reduction of ROS levels. Contrarily, the extract had a pro-oxidant effect in the worms lacking the SKN-1 transcription factor. Our results suggest that the antioxidant activity of ALE in
is independent of its alkaloid content, and that SKN-1 is required for ALE-mediated stress resistance.
•UPLC-MS characterization of 3 plants: M. officinalis, L. latifolia, O. vulgare.•Plant extracts as a bioaccessible source of antioxidants for food formulation.•Plant extracts: antioxidant activity in ...vivo using Caernorhabditis elegans.•Bioaccessibility of plant extracts during in vitro digestion system.
Melissa officinalis, Lavandula latifolia and Origanum vulgare are widely used medicinal plants and spices. Their extracts were evaluated as potential antioxidants for functional food formulations. After being submitted to an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, all the extracts showed antioxidant activity (measured by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, TPC). Furthermore, their main polyphenols maintained high stability. Biological activity was measured using Caenorhabditis elegans, which is a widely used model in this context. Treatments of 50 and 100 µg/mL of M. officinalis significantly attenuated juglone-induced stress in the survival assay performed; moreover, all tested concentrations decreased intracellular ROS. Lavandula latifolia and O. vulgare had no significant effect against acute stress in the survival assay, but significantly decreased ROS basal levels. GST-4 expression under juglone-induced oxidative stress was significantly down-regulated by treatment with the three plant extracts (up to 63%). Besides, similar biological activity of all digested extracts was demonstrated in all in vivo assays.
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