Evaluation of the lifespan extension effects of several Turkish medicinal plants in Caenorhabditis elegans

Authors : Nuri ERGEN, Sanem HOŞBAŞ, Didem DELİORMAN ORHAN, Mustafa ASLAN, Ekrem SEZİK, Arzu ATALAY

Pages : 163-173

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Publication Date : 2018-12-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :  Research on longevity is important to both prolong lifespan and support healthy aging. Natural products are widely being utilized and used as new resources for drug molecules. Caenorhabditis elegans is an advantageous organism for longevity research and age-related diseases. In this study, we tested a number of plant extracts for their effects on C. elegans longevity. In lifespan assays, age- synchronized wild-type C. elegans specimens were treated with different concentrations of plant extracts. Plant extracts were prepared as either infusions or decoctions, similar to their traditional utilization. Hedera helix L. insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Araliaceae); extended lifespan in worms in a concentration-dependent manner. The mean survival rates in the H. helix -treated groups were significantly higher, by 23.7% when applied at 1000 μg/mL, 16% when applied at 500 μg/mL, and 16% when applied at 250 μg/mL, compared to the control group. HPLC analysis identified chlorogenic acid as the major component of H. helix . Salvia verticillata L. insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Lamiaceae); and Myrtus communis L. insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Myrtaceae); treatments resulted in median lifespan extension. Maximum lifespan was extended in worms by Rubus sanctus Schreb. insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Rosaceae); treatment. This study provided the first evidence demonstrating the possible lifespan-extending effects of a group of Turkish medicinal plants in an in vivo model, C. elegans .
Keywords : Aging, longevity, medicinal plant, panacea, Caenorhabditis elegans, chlorogenic acid, Hedera helix, Salvia verticillata, Myrtus communis, Rubus sanctus