Rosemary extract modulates stress resistance and accumulation of reactive oxygen species in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract

BackgroundRosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) is traditionally used for food flavoring, as antioxidant preservative in food industry but also for medical properties. We investigated antioxidative and anti-aging effects of an aqueous rosemary extract over a broad concentration range in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. MethodsThermal stress resistance (SYTOX assay), modulation of DAF-16 (nuclear translocation, DAF-16-deficient strain), modulation of oxidative stress (DCF-assay, paraquat assay), life span analysis ResultsA reduction of reactive oxygen species (25 %) was detected in the nematodes incubated with rosemary extract as well as enhancement of oxidative stress resistance. However, the rosemary extract had no influence on the thermal stress resistance and lifespan. The rosemary extract increased the nuclear location of the transcription factor DAF-16, an orthologue of forkhead box O (FoxO), by 32 %, suggesting an involvement of this transcription factor in physiological effects of the extract. Using daf-16 deficient nematodes, ROS accumulation was also decreased by the rosemary extract suggesting that other transcription factors are involved. ConclusionsWe demonstrate that an aqueous rosemary extract reduces ROS accumulation in C. elegans and increases resistance against oxidative stress. Physiological effects of the extract may be mediated, at least in parts, by activation of the FoxO orthologue DAF-16.