Lifespan extension in Caenorhabiditis elegans by several traditional Chinese medicine formulas

Abstract

There is considerable interest in using traditional Chinese medicine formulas (TCMF) to delay aging or treat age-related diseases. Due to cost and duration, the beneficial effects of TCMF on prolongation are mainly extrapolated from vitro studies or physiological indexes. Little is known about whether TCMF are beneficial in whole level, particularly with respect to lifespan. To address this issue, we selected eight formulas with anti-oxidative activity and examined their effects on the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans. The results showed that seven of the eight formulas could prolong lifespan of TK22 mutant significantly and five of the eight formulas could obviously extend lifespan of N2 wild-type. To further characterize the prolongation effects, oxidative stress, thermal stress and reproduction test were assayed. We found that the formulas that extended lifespan of TK22 could also protect it from oxidative stress, without reducing the reproductive capacity. Meanwhile, the formulas that prolonged lifespan of N2 wild-type could also enhance its resistance against thermal stress, with damaging the reproductive fitness. These observations indicate that TCMF used in our experiment could be potential therapeutics for anti-aging.

Shengmai Formula suppressed over-activated Ras/MAPK pathway in C. elegans by opening mitochondrial permeability transition pore via regulating cyclophilin D

“…These results gave evidences on that SM accelerated anti-oxidant responses of worms on a certain degree. Previous work in our lab has demonstrated that SM can extend C. elegans lifespan3. It is reasonable to believe that SM can specifically kill cancer cells, but not normal cells.…”

“…SM formula is composed of RG, RO, and FS (3:3:2) according to Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015)3. RG (9 g), RO (9 g), and FS (6 g) were soaked in 130 mL ddH 2 O for 30 min, and then heated to boil and simmered gently with stirring for 30 min.…”

“…(FS)1. It has been used for nearly 1,000 years in China, and is currently listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia mainly for treating coronary heart disease1234. Due to its strong anti-oxidant activity, it also serves as one of a few drugs for treating cardiovascular diseases under emergent conditions5678.…”

“…Due to its strong anti-oxidant activity, it also serves as one of a few drugs for treating cardiovascular diseases under emergent conditions5678. Recent studies have revealed that SM attenuates amyloid-β-induced cytotoxicity of PC-12 cells, extends the lifespan of C. elegans , recovers cognitive performance and relieves cerebral oxidative damages in BALB/c mice3910. In addition, SM enhances the anti-tumor effect of chemotherapeutic agents in PC-3, LoVo, MCF-7, MCF-7/ADR, and 7404 cell lines11.…”

Longevity Effect of Liuwei Dihuang in Both Caenorhabditis Elegans and Aged Mice

“…However, few studies have referred to its pharmacological effect on lifespan extension. Wan evaluated the lifespan extension effect of several TCM formulas, including LWDH, in C. elegans and found that this medicine could extend the lifespan, however, its mechanism remains unclear [7].…”