Trachyspermum ammi L. (Carom) Oil Induces Alterations in SOD-3, GST-4 Expression and Prolongs Lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract

The use of herbs in the form of dietary supplements and medicine is fascinating the world, owing to their safety and protective effects against oxidative stress. The elevation in oxidative stress promotes aging and age related disorders. To this end, the authors evaluated in vivo antioxidant activity and anti-aging potential of Trachyspermum ammi L. (TA) oil in Caenorhabditis elegans for the first time. This medicinally important herb is commonly known as carom seed, ajwain, Bishop’s weed and traditionally used as spice in food preparations in India and other parts of world. The authors evaluated three doses of TA oil (10, 100 and 1000 ppm) and 10 ppm dose demonstrated maximal lifespan extension (12.45 %, P ≤ 0.0001) in C. elegans. The 10 ppm dose of TA oil demonstrated in vivo antioxidant activity as it was able to extend lifespan in oxidative stress sensitive mev-1 mutant by 9.53 % (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, TA oil treatment elevated expression of SOD-3 and GST-4 and conferred oxidative stress resistance in worms. This study broadens current perspectives concerning antiaging potential of TA oil. The present study has implications in the development of natural antioxidant based therapy for treating age related disorders which can be subjected to future investigations.