Protective Effects of Artemisia selengensis Turcz. Leaf Extract on Caenorhabditis elegans under High Glucose Diet

Abstract

Artemisia selengensis Turcz. (AST), as a common edible and medicinal herb, exerts multiple biological activities including antioxidant, antihyperuricemia, and inhibition of α-glucosidase activities. However, limited information is available about its beneficial effects on high glucose toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). In the current study, Artemisia selengensis Turcz. leaf extract (ASTE), rich in caffeoylquinic acids, was found to alleviate high glucose-induced damages in C. elegans by extending the lifespan, increasing the body bending and pharyngeal pumping rates, and by reducing glucose and lipid accumulation and oxidative stress. Further results demonstrated that ASTE extended the lifespan of C. elegans on high glucose diet by inhibiting the insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS), and activating SKN-1 and AAK-2 signaling pathways. In conclusion, our findings reveal the direct evidence for the protective effects of ASTE against high glucose toxicity.