The effects of Cyperus rotundus L. extracts on the longevity of Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Discovering plant extracts that can help delay the aging process is challenging as the world transitions into an aging society. Cyperus rotundus L. has long been used as a natural medication to cure a variety of disorders in the traditional medical systems of China, India, Africa, Japan, and Arab countries. C. rotundus may be a bioactive substance that can be used to prevent and treat various diseases, as well as prolong life and improve general well-being; however, no data supporting in vivo testing have been reported. This study investigates the effects of C. rotundus extract on the lifespan and stress-induced mortality in Drosophila melanogaster or fruit flies. Different solvent extractions, including ethanol (ECE), 70% ethanol (HECE), methanol (MCE), and water (WCE), of the rhizomes and tubers of C. rotundus were mixed into the diets of flies to determine the lifespan extension property. The most active extract was selected for further testing of resistance to oxidative stress, starvation, acetic acid, and survival from heavy metal-induced toxicity. The phytochemical profiles of the extract were analyzed using LC–MS. The results showed that the mean lifespan-prolonging effects of the extracts in flies were observed in the order of HECE>WEC>MCE>ECE. Supplementation with HECE at 10 mg/mL diet increased the antioxidant enzyme activities and decreased lipid peroxidation compared to the control group. After exposure to hydrogen peroxide and paraquat, Drosophila treated with HECE showed a significant increase in survival. Supplementation with HECE increased resistance to acetic acid and starvation. HECE supplementation also enhanced the survival of fruit flies from iron and aluminum toxicities. LC–MS analysis revealed the major components of epicatechin/catechin, p-coumaric acid, kaempferol, quercetin, and vanillin in HECE. These findings suggest that HECE promotes longevity and increases health by reducing oxidative damage, increasing the adaptive response in stress-induced aging, and decreasing heavy metal-induced toxicity.