Cyanidin-3-glucoside Enhances Longevity and Heat Stress Resilience in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Background: Anthocyanins have gained significant attention in recent years due to their diverse physiological benefits, which include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, research on the impact of pure anthocyanin compounds on lifespan under different stress conditions, remains a relatively unexplored area. This study aimed to investigate the influence of cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), a pure anthocyanin compound found in common plants, on the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies) subjected to stress (i.e. energy deprivation and heat stress) and nonstress conditions. Methods: Flies were exposed to various concentrations of C3G from the time of hatching until natural death for the lifespan assay. For stress assays, a separate cohort of male and female flies was subjected to daily heat stress or food deprivation, and their survival was monitored. Results: We found out that C3G prolonged the lifespan of fruit flies in the presence or absence of heat stress. Interestingly, under energy-deprived conditions, lifespan extension was not evident, and a high dose of C3G even led to a shorter lifespan. Moreover, we observed that the sex of the flies did not significantly influence the lifespan modulation by C3G, regardless of whether they were subjected to stress or nonstress conditions. Conclusion: Overall, these findings suggest that C3G may offer promising benefits in enhancing lifespan under certain conditions, while caution should be exercised in dosage selection, especially in energy-deprived scenarios. Further investigations are required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for the multifaceted effects of C3G on lifespan, thereby exploring its potential applications in promoting longevity and mitigating stress-related challenges.