Polysaccharides Extracted from Dendrobium officinale Grown in Different Environments Elicit Varying Health Benefits in Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract

Dendrobium officinale is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs, especially in Asia. In recent times, the polysaccharide content of D. officinale has garnered attention due to the numerous reports of its medicinal properties, such as anticancer, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-aging activities. However, few reports of its anti-aging potential are available. Due to high demand, the wild D. officinale is scarce; hence, alternative cultivation methods are being employed. In this study, we used the Caenorhabditis elegans model to investigate the anti-aging potential of polysaccharides extracted from D. officinale (DOP) grown in three different environments; tree (TR), greenhouse (GH), and rock (RK). Our findings showed that at 1000 µg/mL, GH-DOP optimally extended the mean lifespan by 14% and the maximum lifespan by 25% (p < 0.0001). TR-DOP and RK-DOP did not extend their lifespan at any of the concentrations tested. We further showed that 2000 µg/mL TR-DOP, GH-DOP, or RK-DOP all enhanced resistance to H2O2-induced stress (p > 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.01, respectively). In contrast, only RK-DOP exhibited resistance (p < 0.01) to thermal stress. Overall, DOP from the three sources all increased HSP-4::GFP levels, indicating a boost in the ability of the worms to respond to ER-related stress. Similarly, DOP from all three sources decreased α-synuclein aggregation; however, only GH-DOP delayed β-amyloid-induced paralysis (p < 0.0001). Our findings provide useful information on the health benefits of DOP and also provide clues on the best practices for cultivating D. officinale for maximum medicinal applications.

Exploring the mechanism of dendrobine in treating metabolic associated fatty liver disease based on network pharmacology and experimental validation

“…In the search for effective treatments for MASLD, Dendrobium nobile, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, has gained attention due to its diverse pharmacological effects [ 5 ]. Containing a variety of bioactive components such as polysaccharides, alkaloids, and polyphenolic compounds, it has been proven to improve metabolic disorders, reduce fat accumulation, lower inflammation levels, and improve insulin resistance, thereby holding potential value in the treatment of MASLD [ 6 , 7 ].…”

<i>Dendrobium officinale</i> Extract Fermented with <i>Lactobacillus plantarum</i> GT-17F Enhances the Protection of UV-Mediated Photoaging

“…5) Modern pharmacological studies have shown that D. officinale has health-promoting functions, such as enhancing immunity, 6,7) inhibiting tumors, 8,9) lowering blood sugar, 10) anti-oxidizing, 11) and delaying aging. 12) In view of its health benefits, D. officinale has been added to various beverages, functional liquids, capsules, and powders.…”