Anti-aging Potential Research Articles

Pharmacological Investigation of Carvacrol Against D-Galactose-Induced Cognitive Memory Impairment

Aging is a physiological process involving senescence that declines the normal body functions and adaptability of the body towards metabolic and environmental stress declines and cognitive functions are also compromised. The role of inflammatory mediators are widely studied in cognitive functions in the past but the efficacy of dietary supplements against brain senescence is not well established. In the current study, we determined the neuroprotective potential of carvacrol against D-galactose-induced cognitive impairment. Male mice 25-30 grams were used to determine the anti-aging potential of carvacrol and we also demonstrated the role of p-NF-κB in the aging process. We observed the increased expression of p-NF-κB that further upregulated TNF-α and COX-2 expression. Moreover, we observed marked lipid peroxidation was observed along with a significant reduction in levels of antioxidant markers that lead to senescence in the cortical brain region (decreased percentage of intact neurons). Carvacrol has significantly reversed these detrimental effects caused by D-galactose by declining the expression of p-NF-κB. Our findings suggest that carvacrol has attenuated D-galactose-induced cognitive impairment by inhibiting p-NF-κB.

The Role of Antioxidants in the Interplay between Oxidative Stress and Senescence.

Cellular senescence is an irreversible state of cell cycle arrest occurring in response to stressful stimuli, such as telomere attrition, DNA damage, reactive oxygen species, and oncogenic proteins. Although beneficial and protective in several physiological processes, an excessive senescent cell burden has been involved in various pathological conditions including aging, tissue dysfunction and chronic diseases. Oxidative stress (OS) can drive senescence due to a loss of balance between pro-oxidant stimuli and antioxidant defences. Therefore, the identification and characterization of antioxidant compounds capable of preventing or counteracting the senescent phenotype is of major interest. However, despite the considerable number of studies, a comprehensive overview of the main antioxidant molecules capable of counteracting OS-induced senescence is still lacking. Here, besides a brief description of the molecular mechanisms implicated in OS-mediated aging, we review and discuss the role of enzymes, mitochondria-targeting compounds, vitamins, carotenoids, organosulfur compounds, nitrogen non-protein molecules, minerals, flavonoids, and non-flavonoids as antioxidant compounds with an anti-aging potential, therefore offering insights into innovative lifespan-extending approaches.

Review of Anti-Aging Potential in Aloe vera, Eleuitherine palmifolia, and Hylocereus polyrhizus: A Narrative Literature Review

Skin aging is usually characterized by dry, scaly, rough skin conditions accompanied by the appearance of wrinkles and black spots or spots. This literature review aims to discuss the anti-aging potential of Indonesian herbal plants. The aloe vera plant contains various compositions that are useful as skin moisturizers, hair fertilizers, antiseptics, antibiotics, antioxidants, anti-aging, and various other functions. Aloe vera leaves contain vitamins and minerals. One example is vitamin E. Dayak leeks contain an antioxidant IC50 of 45.33 ppm, which can overcome the aging of the skin. Dragon fruit skin contains an antioxidant IC50 of 9.837 mg/mL.

Effect of Coffee Berry Extract on Anti-Aging for Skin and Hair—In Vitro Approach

The aging process encompasses gradual and continuous changes at the cellular level that slowly accumulate with age. The signs of aging include many physiological changes in both skin and hair such as fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, hair thinning and hair loss. The aim of the current study was to investigate the anti-aging potential of coffee berry extract (CBE) on human dermal fibroblast (HDF) and hair follicle dermal papilla (HFDP) cells. Coffee berry was extracted by 50% ethanol and determined for chemical constituents by HPLC technique. Cytotoxicity of the extract was examined on both cells by MTT assay. Then, HDF cells were used to evaluate antioxidant properties by using superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) and nitric oxide inhibition as well as anti-collagenase inhibition assays. The effectiveness of anti-hair loss properties was investigated in HFDP cells by considering cell proliferation, 5α-reductase inhibition (5AR), and growth factor expression. The results showed that caffeine and chlorogenic acid were identified as major constituents in CBE. CBE had lower toxicity and cell proliferation than caffeine and chlorogenic acid on both cells. CBE showed SOD and nitric oxide inhibition activities that were higher than those of caffeine but lower than those of chlorogenic acid. Interestingly, CBE had the highest significant anti-collagenase activity, and its 5AR inhibition activity was comparable to that of chlorogenic acid, which was higher than caffeine. CBE also stimulated hair-related gene expression, especially insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The results confirmed that CBE provided anti-aging activity on both skin and hair cells and could be beneficial for applications in cosmeceuticals.

Anti-Aging Potential of a Rosa centifolia Stem Extract with Focus on Phytochemical Composition by Bioguided Fractionation.

Agricultural practices generate huge amounts of by-products, often simply discarded as waste that must be processed at some cost. The natural by-products revalorisation as raw material to produce high-added value ingredients for various industrial sectors may pave the way towards more sustainable industrial practices, via an optimised utilisation of natural resources. Integrating the circular economy precepts to production systems is considered to be a more and more promising management solution to significantly reduce the environmental impact of economic activities. This article discusses the valorisation of Rosa centifolia stem to produce a natural extract with cosmetic anti-aging potential. To do so, the cosmetic potential of 30 extracts obtained by maceration of agricultural by-products in a hydroalcoholic solvent was evaluated: their activities, as well as their inhibitory activities of specific enzymes were assessed in vitro to identify those that could be used effectively as anti-ageing actives while meeting the consumer's expectations in terms of sustainability, naturality, transparency and traceability.[1] A hydroalcoholic extract of R. centifolia stem revealed itself particularly promising due to its valuable anti-hyaluronidase and antioxidant activities, and its interesting anti-elastase and anti-inflammatory potential. The bio-guided fractionation of this extract allows the characterisation of three major compounds, e. g., isoquercitrin, quercitrin and euscaphic acid, never identified in R. centifolia previously.

Anti-aging and Antioxidant Activities of Ethanol and Three-phase Partitioned Extracts of Inula viscosa

Inula viscosa is a plant commonly used to treat inflammation, germicide, expectorant, cough reducer, diuretic, anemia, and cancer. In addition to its medicinal effect, this plant has been preferred because it is thought to be a free radical scavenger and anti-aging effect due to its phenolic compounds. The aim of the study was to determine whether the plant has antioxidant and anti-aging potential. The plant was extracted with both the traditional solvent extraction method with ethanol and the novel three-phase partitioned (TPP) system, and the two methods were compared. The methods of DPPH free radical scavenging, ABTS cation radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, and reduction of copper and iron ions were used to determine the antioxidant effects of the obtained extracts. In addition, elastase enzyme inhibition was studied to investigate the anti-aging potential. TPP method (23.9% yield) was performed at a higher yield than the solvent extraction (8.99% yield). The ethanolic extract and TPP extract of plant inhibited the DPPH free radical with IC50=0.27 µg/mL and IC50=0.026 µg/mL, and ABTS cation radical with IC50=0.28 µg/mL and IC50=0.13 µg/mL, and superoxide anion radical with IC50=3.53 µg/mL and IC50=2.43 µg/mL, respectively. According to the elastase inhibition results, IC50=3.11 µg/mL for ethanol extract and IC50=3.05 µg/mL for TPP extract were obtained. Both extracts of I. viscosa showed antioxidant and anti-aging effects at levels close to the standards. In addition, according to the results, TPP extract was found to be more effective than ethanol extract.

In vitro Inhibition of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) and Arginase by a Dietary Supplement and Its Potential for Improving Quality of Life Factors in Adults

Aim: Somatopause is the progressive and age-related decline of growth hormone (GH) production due to changes in hypothalamic-pituitary axis signaling and results in typical physiological changes associated with the aging process. The purpose of our study was to investigate the anti-aging potential of several botanical ingredients, including noni fruit juice, as well as a dietary supplement formulation.
 Methodology: Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) influences hypothalamic-pituitary axis signaling and reduces GH production and secretion. Since DPP-4 concentrations increase with age, we evaluated the ability of several botanical ingredients to inhibit DPP-4 activity in vitro. We subsequently formulated an anti-aging dietary supplement with this blend of botanical ingredients by adding amino acids (L-arginine, L-Lysine, citrulline and beta-alanine), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), flax seed oil and several nutrients. The supplement was evaluated for anti-arginase activity in vitro, as the expression of this enzyme also increases with age. The dietary supplement was also consumed by three men and one woman, ages 56 to 62, with relevant but disparate medical histories. Following short-term ingestion of the supplement, these volunteers were interviewed to ascertain any changes in health status.
 Results: We discovered that a blend of the botanical ingredients synergistically inhibited DPP-4 in vitro by up to approximately 99%. A concentration-dependent reduction in arginase activity was also observed for the anti-aging dietary supplement. Further, all volunteers reported positive improvements in at least one quality of life factor, which included more restful sleep, reduced musculoskeletal discomfort, increased energy, improved physical stamina and better skin quality.
 Conclusion: These initial findings suggest that the anti-aging dietary supplement can mitigate declines in quality of life associated with aging by reducing DPP-4 and arginase activities, thereby supporting healthy GH production and endothelial nitric oxide production.

Anti-Glycation and Anti-Aging Properties of Resveratrol Derivatives in the in-vitro 3D Models of Human Skin.

PurposeHuman skin undergoes modifications affecting its structural properties and barrier functions involved in protection against age-related damage. Glycation is a non-enzymatic reaction between macromolecules and sugars causing alterations to the elastic fibers and premature aging of the skin. Glycation can be prevented by a range of bioactive molecules; however, at present only a few of them are validated for inclusion in cosmetic products. There is also a demand for reproducible in-vitro assays demonstrating the anti-aging effect of compounds on the skin. This study aimed to define the potential targets for screening and validation of anti-glycation activity of novel cosmetic candidates from natural products and to provide a plausible mechanism for their anti-aging potential based on 3D skin models.MethodsDermal fibroblasts and 3D skin models were treated with glycation agent and topical applications of Resveratrol derivatives. The samples were analyzed for advanced glycation end products (AGEs) alongside an organization of elastic fibers and expression of proliferative, senescence, and oxidative stress markers by autofluorescence, immunocytochemistry and quantitative assays.ResultsAccumulation of AGEs in the 3D skin model is associated with reduced stratification of the epidermis and re-organization of the collagen in the upper, cell-dense layer of the dermis. Treatment of dermal fibroblasts with Resveratrol, OxyResveratrol, Piceatannol, and Triacetyl Resveratrol ameliorates the effects of glycation consistent with cellular aging. Subsequent topical application of the compounds in skin models results in a reduction in glycation-induced AGEs, an increase in collagen expression and a stratification of the epidermis.ConclusionGlycation could result in age-related alterations in the structural and cellular organizations of the superficial layers of the skin, which can be restored by Resveratrol derivatives, pointing to their promising capacities as bioactive ingredients in cosmetic products. Insight into the potential parameters affected by skin glycation could also serve as a reference for screening the bioactive molecules for cosmetic purposes.

Anti-aging potential of cookies from sea grapes in mice fed on cholesterol- and fat-enriched diet: in vitro with in vivo study

This study determines the effect of cookies made from sea grapes (Caulerpa racemosa) on PGC-1α, total cholesterol, and blood glucose levels on mice fed with a Cholesterol- and Fat-Enriched Diet (CFED). The antioxidant activity, tyrosinase inhibition, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase inhibition is also analyzed in order to assess the in vitro anti-aging potential of sea grapes cookies. Forty male Mus muscullus albino mice weighing 20 g–30 g were used and randomly distributed into four groups of ten animals each. Group A served as a normal control (given a standard dry pellet diet), Group B was given CFED only, and mice in Groups C and D were given CFED with 100 mg and 200 mg/20 g body weight of sea grapes cookies, respectively for 4 weeks. In vitro study shows that the percentage of inhibition activity of antioxidant, L-Tyrosine, L-Dopa, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase inhibition were 45.65 ± 1.50, 8.95 ± 0.06, 21.31 ± 0.98, 77.12 ± 4.67 and 70.94 ± 0.98, respectively. This study found that group D had better activity in lowering blood glucose than group C (p < 0.0001). In addition, although there was not found significant difference between groups C and D in blood cholesterol reduction and PGC-1α (p = 0.1482), both groups experienced the same effect in total cholesterol reduction and PGC-1α in mice (significantly, p < 0001). Thus, we conclude that sea grapes cookies are proven to improve PGC-1α, total cholesterol, and blood glucose levels in mice fed with CFED. Hence, sea grapes cookies is a potential anti-aging novel-functional food.

Antiaging Effect of 4-N-Furfurylcytosine in Yeast Model Manifests through Enhancement of Mitochondrial Activity and ROS Reduction.

Small compounds are a large group of chemicals characterized by various biological properties. Some of them also have antiaging potential, which is mainly attributed to their antioxidant activity. In this study, we examined the antiaging effect of 4-N-Furfurylcytosine (FC), a cytosine derivative belonging to a group of small compounds, on budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We chose this yeast model as it is known to contain multiple conserved genes and mechanisms identical to that of humans and has been proven to be successful in aging research. The chronological lifespan assay performed in the study revealed that FC improved the viability of yeast cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, enhanced mitochondrial activity, together with reduced intracellular ROS level, was observed in FC-treated yeast cells. The gene expression analysis confirmed that FC treatment resulted in the restriction of the TORC1 signaling pathway. These results indicate that FC has antiaging properties.

Effects of Cannabidiol Interactions with CYP2R1, CYP27B1, CYP24A1, and Vitamin D3 Receptors on Spatial Memory, Pain, Inflammation, and Aging in Vitamin D3 Deficiency Diet-Induced Rats.

Introduction: The study was planned to investigate memory-enhancing, anti-inflammatory, and antiaging potential of cannabidiol (CBD) on vitamin D3 deficient diet (VDD)-induced rats. Materials and Methods: Cytochrome P-450 enzymes were analyzed by RT-PCR method and others biomarkers by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: CYP2R1 and CYP27B1-mRNA were significantly increased by 39.29 and 38.37%, respectively, while; CYP24A1-mRNA was significantly reduced by 21.39% compared to VDD. Vitamin D3 receptor protein expression was significantly increased by 148.3%, 60.48%, and 142.03% in liver, kidney, and brain, respectively, compared to VDD group. Vitamin D3 metabolites and serotonin were significantly increased more than 60% and 100%, respectively, compared to VDD. Spatial memory (in terms of total distance, escape latency) and pain score were improved compared to VDD. Cytokines were significantly reduced than VDD. Besides, levels of superoxide dismutase (49.61%), glutathione peroxidase (178.87%), acetylcholine (25.40%), and klotho (145.57%) were significantly increased than VDD. Conclusions: Study findings supported that CBD interacts with CYP2R1, CYP27B1, CYP24A1, and vitamin D receptors, resulting in increased vitamin D3 metabolites, which improved memory, pain tolerance, reduced inflammation, and aging through modulating antioxidative enzymes, cytokines, and neurotransmitters in VDD-induced rats.

GC/MS Profiling, Anti-Collagenase, Anti-Elastase, Anti-Tyrosinase and Anti-Hyaluronidase Activities of a Stenocarpus sinuatus Leaves Extract.

Today, skin care products and cosmetic preparations containing natural ingredients are widely preferred by consumers. Therefore, many cosmetic brands are encouraged to offer more natural products to the market, such as plant extracts that can be used for their antiaging, antiwrinkle, and depigmentation properties and other cosmetic purposes. In the current study, the volatile constituents of the hexane-soluble fraction of a Stenocarpus sinuatus (family Proteaceae) leaf methanol extract (SSHF) were analyzed using GC/MS analysis. Moreover, the antiaging activity of SSHF was evaluated through in vitro studies of anti-collagenase, anti-elastase, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-hyaluronidase activities. In addition, an in silico docking study was carried out to identify the interaction mechanisms of the major compounds in SSHF with the active sites of the target enzymes. Furthermore, an in silico toxicity study of the identified compounds in SSHF was performed. It was revealed that vitamin E (α-tocopherol) was the major constituent of SSHF, representing 52.59% of the extract, followed by γ-sitosterol (8.65%), neophytadiene (8.19%), β-tocopherol (6.07%), and others. The in vitro studies showed a significant inhibition by SSHF of collagenase, elastase, tyrosinase, and hyaluronidase, with IC50 values of 60.03, 177.5, 67.5, and 38.8 µg/mL, respectively, comparable to those of the positive controls epigallocatechin gallate (ECGC, for collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase) and kojic acid (for tyrosinase). Additionally, the molecular docking study revealed good acceptable binding scores of the four major compounds, comparable to those of ECGC and kojic acid. Besides, the SSHF identified phytoconstituents showed no predicted potential toxicity nor skin toxicity, as determined in silico. In conclusion, the antiaging potential of SSHF may be attributed to its high content of vitamin E in addition to the synergetic effect of other volatile constituents. Thus, SSHF could be incorporated in pharmaceutical skin care products and cosmetics after further studies.

Potential of Conditioned Medium of hATMSCs in Aging Cells Model

Skin aging is caused by the exposure cumulative of ultraviolet radiation, it leads reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the skin. The conditioned medium of human Adipose Tissue-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hATMSCs) can scavenge free radicals and increase the survival rate of skin cells under oxidative stress. This study examined the protective effects of Conditioned Medium (CM) of hATMSCs in H2O2-induced human skin fibroblast cell line (BJ). The aging cells model using H2O2-induced BJ cells were added CM-hATMSCs in concentrations (0, 10, 30%) and incubated in various time, furthermore BJ cells induced by various H2O2 concentrations (0, 50, 100, 200 µM) incubated for 1 h. The anti-aging potential were measured including viability, ROS and collagen levels in BJ cells which treated CM-hATMSCs. The median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of H2O2 on BJ cells for 1 h incubation was 107.87 μM and 91.25 μM for 10 min incubation. CM-hATMSCs increased the viability on aging model cells. CM-hATMSCs concentration 30% increased the viability of H2O2 50, 100, 200 µM-induced BJ cells. CM-hATMSCs concentration 25% decreased ROS, increased collagen level in H2O2 50, 100, 200 µM-induced BJ cells. CM-hATMSCs increase the viability cells, collagen level and decrease ROS level in aging model cells.

Trévo abrogates Lead Acetate Neurotoxicity in Male Wistar Rats viz Antiamyloidogenesis, Antiglutaminergic, and Anticholinesterase Activities.

Exposure to lead has been linked to biochemical changes similar to those patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Trévo is a phytonutrient-rich product with antiaging and antioxidant properties. To investigate the neuroprotective activity of trévo against lead-induced biochemical changes in male Wistar rats. The study involves 35 animals that were randomly divided into five groups of seven rats each. Group I (Control): Orally administered distilled water; Group II (Induced): Administered 15 mg/kg of lead acetate (PbA) intraperitoneally; Group III (Treatment group): Orally administered 2 mL/kg of trévo for two days before co-administration with PbA for 12 consecutive days; Group IV (Treatment group): Orally administered 5 mL/kg of trévo for two days prior to coadministration with PbA for 12 consecutive days; Group V: Orally administered 5 mL/kg of trévo for 14 consecutive days. Animals were anesthetized with diether and the brain excised and processed for the following biochemical assays: Malonedialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GT), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), beta-amyloid, glutamate, Na+/K+ ATPase, and glutamate dehydrogenase (GD). PbA caused significant oxidative stress (increased MDA concentration, decreased GSH concentration, suppressed the activity of CAT, SOD), decreased GT activity, increased activity of AChE, increased the concentration of beta-amyloid, and caused glutamate excitotoxicity (increased concentration of glutamate, decreased activity of Na+/K+ ATPase, and GD) in rat brains. Treatment with trévo at the two different doses significantly prevented oxidative damage, beta-amyloid aggregation, glutamate excitotoxicity, and acetylcholine breakdown induced by lead acetate. Our findings added to the reported pharmacological activity of trévo and supported the antiaging potential of trévo.

Cyanobacteria Secondary Metabolites as Biotechnological Ingredients in Natural Anti-Aging Cosmetics: Potential to Overcome Hyperpigmentation, Loss of Skin Density and UV Radiation-Deleterious Effects.

The loss of density and elasticity, the appearance of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation are among the first noticeable signs of skin aging. Beyond UV radiation and oxidative stress, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) assume a preponderant role in the process, since their deregulation results in the degradation of most extracellular matrix components. In this survey, four cyanobacteria strains were explored for their capacity to produce secondary metabolites with biotechnological potential for use in anti-aging formulations. Leptolyngbya boryana LEGE 15486 and Cephalothrix lacustris LEGE 15493 from freshwater ecosystems, and Leptolyngbya cf. ectocarpi LEGE 11479 and Nodosilinea nodulosa LEGE 06104 from marine habitats were sequentially extracted with acetone and water, and extracts were analyzed for their toxicity in cell lines with key roles in the skin context (HaCAT, 3T3L1, and hCMEC). The non-toxic extracts were chemically characterized in terms of proteins, carotenoids, phenols, and chlorophyll a, and their anti-aging potential was explored through their ability to scavenge the physiological free radical superoxide anion radical (O2•−), to reduce the activity of the MMPs elastase and hyaluronidase, to inhibit tyrosinase and thus avoid melanin production, and to block UV-B radiation (sun protection factor, SPF). Leptolyngbya species stood out for anti-aging purposes: L. boryana LEGE 15486 presented a remarkable SPF of 19 (at 200 µg/mL), being among the best species regarding O2•− scavenging, (IC50 = 99.50 µg/mL) and also being able to inhibit tyrosinase (IC25 = 784 µg/mL), proving to be promising against UV-induced skin-aging; L. ectocarpi LEGE 11479 was more efficient in inhibiting MMPs (hyaluronidase, IC50 = 863 µg/mL; elastase, IC50 = 391 µg/mL), thus being the choice to retard dermal density loss. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the data allowed the grouping of extracts into three groups, according to their chemical composition; the correlation of carotenoids and chlorophyll a with MMPs activity (p < 0.01), O2•− scavenging with phenolic compounds (p < 0.01), and phycocyanin and allophycocyanin with SPF, pointing to these compounds in particular as responsible for UV-B blockage. This original survey explores, for the first time, the biotechnological potential of these cyanobacteria strains in the field of skin aging, demonstrating the promising, innovative, and multifactorial nature of these microorganisms.

Potential Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics (PK-PD) Drug-Herbs Interactions (DHI) from Metformin and Traditional Medicines: A Literature Review

Introduction: Metformin given together with herbs in order to optimizing its mechanism of actions. The effect might be positive and vice versa. Interaction might occur pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamically. The study aimed to review potential interaction of metformin and some herbs with various pharmacological activities. Methods: This literature review was conducted by collecting articles with keywords Metformin, Herb-drug Interaction, drug interaction, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacology from international databases such as Science Direct, PubMed, Springer Link, and Scopus up to 2021. Results: Metformin with its various uses such as antidiabetic agent, an agent for reducing weight for patients that sensitive or even resistant to insulin, patients with obesity, anti-tumor agent, anti-cancer potential agent, and also has anti-aging potential. Metformin could interacted with drugs, herbs, and also some bioactive isolate. The interaction might occurs pharmacokinetically or pharmacodynamically. Pharmacokinetics interactions occurred during distribution and also excretion via transporters that metformin transported with. This was shown as the elevated or lowered metformin levels in blood. Pharmacodynamic interactions can be seen as the lowering or elevated levels of glucose, HbA1c and even the lipid profile in blood or plasma. Conclusion: According to this literature review, Metformin have potential interaction with drugs, herbs, and also some bioactive isolate. The interactions occur pharmacokinetically or pharmacodynamically. This study can be used as a established familiarity with and understanding the potential HDIs from Metformin and herbal products. Key words: Drug-Herbs Interactions (DHIs), Metformin, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics.

The Composition and Anti-Aging Activities of Polyphenol Extract from Phyllanthus emblica L. Fruit.

Phyllanthus emblica L. (PE) is commonly known as a medicine and food homologous plant, which is abundant in natural products polyphenols. In the present study, polyphenols were extracted from PE fruit by response surface method, and the anti-aging ability was determined. PE fruit polyphenols exhibited strong antioxidant capacities in scavenging free radicals, and anti-cholinesterase ability by inhibition of AChE (IC50 0.2186 ± 0.0416 mg/mL) and BuChE (IC50 0.0542 ± 0.0054 mg/mL) in vitro. Moreover, PE fruit polyphenols showed strong protective effect against the aging process in Caenorhabditis elegans model, including increased thermal resistance, extended lifespan by 18.53% (p < 0.05), reduced activity of AChE by 34.71% and BuChE by 45.38% (p < 0.01). This was accompanied by the enhancement in antioxidant enzymes activity of SOD by 30.74% (p < 0.05) and CAT by 8.42% (p > 0.05), while decrease in MDA level by 36.25% (p < 0.05). These properties might be interrelated with the presence of abundant flavonols and phenolic acids identified by UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS, such as quercetin, myricetin, ellagic, gallic, and chlorogenic acids, together with their glycosides. The remarkable antioxidant and anti-aging potential of PE fruit polyphenols could be implemented in the food and pharmaceutical industry.

Exogenous GABA improves the antioxidant and anti-aging ability of silkworm (Bombyx mori)

Silkworm (Bombyx mori) was used to explore the anti-aging ability of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and its potential mechanism. 0.086∼8.6 mM GABA solutions were sprayed on mulberry leaves to raise silkworms. The results showed that GABA increased the fecundity of adult silkworms. And in the larva silkworms on the 3th day of the 5th instar, GABA significantly reduced the trehalose content in the hemolymph, the triglycerides and glycogen levels in the fat body, while sharply increased the NAD+/NADH level in the fat body. GABA significantly increased the GSH content and activities of SOD and CAT, while reduced the level of MDA. Furthermore, GABA reduced the mRNA expression of BmRpd3, Bmchico and BmAkh2, while increased the mRNA expression of BmAMPK. In summary, GABA has anti-aging potential by playing roles in energy homeostasis, reducing carbohydrate and lipid level, increasing anti-oxidative capacity, and regulating mRNA expression of longevity-related genes.

Flavonoids from Sacred Lotus Stamen Extract Slows Chronological Aging in Yeast Model by Reducing Oxidative Stress and Maintaining Cellular Metabolism.

Nelumbo nucifera is one of the most valuable medicinal species of the Nelumbonaceae family that has been consumed since the ancient historic period. Its stamen is an indispensable ingredient for many recipes of traditional medicines, and has been proved as a rich source of flavonoids that may provide an antiaging action for pharmaceutical or medicinal applications. However, there is no intense study on antiaging potential and molecular mechanisms. This present study was designed to fill in this important research gap by: (1) investigating the effects of sacred lotus stamen extract (LSE) on yeast lifespan extension; and (2) determining their effects on oxidative stress and metabolism to understand the potential antiaging action of its flavonoids. A validated ultrasound-assisted extraction method was also employed in this current work. The results confirmed that LSE is rich in flavonoids, and myricetin-3-O-glucose, quercetin-3-O-glucuronic acid, kaempferol-3-O-glucuronic acid, and isorhamnetin-3-O-glucose are the most abundant ones. In addition, LSE offers a high antioxidant capacity, as evidenced by different in vitro antioxidant assays. This present study also indicated that LSE delayed yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, wild-type strain DBY746) chronological aging compared with untreated control yeast and a positive control (resveratrol) cells. Moreover, LSE acted on central metabolism, gene expressions (SIR2 and SOD2), and enzyme regulation (SIRT and SOD enzymatic activities). These findings are helpful to open the door for the pharmaceutical and medical sectors to employ this potential lotus raw material in their future pharmaceutical product development.

The Antioxidant Activity of Phenolic Compounds Isolated from the Bark of Ryukyu Pine Trees (Pinus luchuensis Mayr.)

Background: Considering that many foreign tourists visit Okinawa, Japan, to purchase cosmetic products, there is an urgent need to create cosmetic products native to Okinawa. As the Ryukyu pine tree, which is endemic to Okinawa, has been used as a source of wood, investigating the possible use of its bark is recommended. Using this natural resource from Okinawa would aid in promoting the products of Okinawa’s unique brands. As a result, this study was designed to isolate useful materials for cosmetic production. Therefore, fractionation was conducted based on a few types of chromatographies, after which the extracted product of the Ryukyu pine tree (Pinus luchuensis Mayr.) bark was analyzed, and its polyphenol contents were compared. Methods: Bark of the Ryukyu pine tree cultivated in the northern mountainous region of the Okinawa Main Island was used for ASE extraction using ultrapure water at 130°C. DIAION HP20 with methanol and two HPLC fractionation types were subsequently used for phenolic compound isolation. Results: ASE extraction and HP20 and HPLC fractionations resulted in an isolation of several compounds: threo-1,2-bis-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-propane-1,3-diol (compound 1; 0.03% w/w of an ASE extract), erythro-1,2-bis-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-propane-1,3-diol (compound 2; 0.03% w/w of an ASE extract), catechin (0.11% w/w of an ASE extract), and vanillin (0.31% w/w of an ASE extract). In addition, the value of its antioxidant activity determined by the DPPH (2,2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical-scavenging capacity assay was 3.3 mmol-trolox eq./g, 2.6 mmol-trolox eq./g, 9.7 mmol-trolox eq./g and 0.7 mmol-trolox eq./g for compound 1, compound 2, catechin, and vanillic acid, respectively. Conclusion: These phenolic compounds possess whitening and anti-aging potentials. Therefore, the Ryukyu pine tree bark would be a useful raw material source for cosmetic production.