Mechanisms involved in anti-aging effects of guarana (Paullinia cupana) in Caenorhabditis elegans.

L.P Arantes,T.L Da Silveira,M Aschner,F.A.A Soares,M.L Machado,I.B.M Da Cruz,D.C Zamberlan,E.E Ribeiro,T.C Da Silva

doi:10.1590/1414-431x20187552

Abstract

Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is habitually ingested by people in the Amazon region and is a key ingredient in various energy drinks consumed worldwide. Extension in longevity and low prevalence of chronic age-related diseases have been associated to habitual intake of guarana. Anti-aging potential of guarana was also demonstrated in Caenorhabditis elegans; however, the mechanisms involved in its effects are not clear. Herein, we investigated the putative pathways that regulate the effects of guarana ethanolic extract (GEE) on lifespan using C. elegans. The major known longevity pathways were analyzed through mutant worms and RT-qPCR assay (DAF-2, DAF-16, SKN-1, SIR-2.1, HSF-1). The possible involvement of purinergic signaling was also investigated. This study demonstrated that GEE acts through antioxidant activity, DAF-16, HSF-1, and SKN-1 pathways, and human adenosine receptor ortholog (ADOR-1) to extend lifespan. GEE also downregulated skn-1, daf-16, sir-2.1 and hsp-16.2 in 9-day-old C. elegans, which might reflect less need to activate these protective genes due to direct antioxidant effects. Our results contribute to the comprehension of guarana effects in vivo, which might be helpful to prevent or treat aging-associated disorders, and also suggest purinergic signaling as a plausible therapeutic target for longevity studies.

Highlights

Paullinia cupana, referred to as guarana, is a native plant to the Amazon basin and especially common in Brazil
Strains and maintenance Strains used in this study were Bristol N2; CB1370, daf-2 (e1370) III; CF1038, daf-16 I; EU1, skn-1(zu67); PS3551, hsf-1(sy441) I; TK22, mev-1(kn1); and VC199, sir-2.1(ok434), obtained from the Caenorhabditis Genetics Center (CGC), University of Minnesota, USA, as well as the Escherichia coli OP50
Control wild-type C. elegans had a mean lifespan of 11 days and maximum lifespan of 14 days

Summary

Introduction

Referred to as guarana, is a native plant to the Amazon basin and especially common in Brazil. The powder of its seeds is habitually ingested by people of all ages in the Amazon region mainly for its tonic and stimulant properties [1]. Guarana is a key ingredient in various energy drinks consumed in many countries [2]. Extension in longevity in people living in Maués, an Amazon region in Brazil, has been associated to Amazonian diet, including habitual intake of guarana [4]. An epidemiological study associated guarana ingestion with low prevalence of chronic age-related diseases in the Amazonian population [5]. A study demonstrated anti-aging potential of guarana seed extract in Caenorhabditis elegans [6]. The mechanisms underlying the guarana effects on aging were not identified

Methods

Results

Conclusion