Acacetin promotes healthy aging by altering stress response in Caenorhabditis elegans

Black goji berry anthocyanins extend lifespan and enhance the antioxidant defenses in Caenorhabditis elegans via the JNK-1 and DAF-16/FOXO pathways

BACKGROUND

The black goji berry (Lycium ruthenicum Murr.) is known for its abundance of high-quality natural antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins. Black goji berry anthocyanins (BGA) are receiving increasing attention because of their high safety and beneficial biological activities. Studies have shown that oxidative stress is a key factor affecting aging, whereas antioxidants are critical preventive and delaying strategies.

RESULTS

In the present study, we investigated the potential anti-aging effects and mechanism of BGA using the Caenorhabditis elegans model. We found that BGA prolonged the mean lifespan of nematodes and improve their healthspan, including locomotion, pharyngeal pumping rate and stress resistance. Subsequently, we observed a significant decrease in reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels in nematodes after administering BGA. Moreover, BGA enhanced the activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase, and elevated the glutathione disulfide/glutathione ratio. We confirmed that BGA exerted excellent antioxidative stress activity in nematodes, which may contribute substantially to its anti-aging effects. The health benefits of BGA in C. elegans might be closely related to petunidin-3-O-glucoside, the most abundant anthocyanin in BGA. Further mechanistic investigation revealed that the JNK-1 and DAF-16/FOXO pathways, rather than the calorie restriction pathway, were responsible for the antioxidant stress and life-prolonging effects of BGA in nematodes.

CONCLUSION

Our research provides a theoretical foundation for studying the anti-aging effect of BGA and a basis for developing black goji berry and its anthocyanins as functional foods with anti-aging and antioxidative stress benefits. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

A critical appraisal of geroprotective activities of flavonoids in terms of their bio-accessibility and polypharmacology

Flavonoids, a commonly consumed natural product, elicit health-benefits such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-allergic, hepatoprotective, anti-carcinogenic and neuroprotective activities. Several studies have reported the beneficial role of flavonoids in improving memory, learning, and cognition in clinical settings. Their mechanism of action is mediated through the modulation of multiple signalling cascades. This polypharmacology makes them an attractive natural scaffold for designing and developing new effective therapeutics for complex neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Flavonoids are shown to inhibit crucial targets related to neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs), including acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, β-secretase, γ-secretase, α-synuclein, Aβ protein aggregation and neurofibrillary tangles formation. Conserved neuro-signalling pathways related to neurotransmitter biogenesis and inactivation, ease of genetic manipulation and tractability, cost-effectiveness, and their short lifespan make Caenorhabditis elegans one of the most frequently used models in neuroscience research and high-throughput drug screening for neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we critically appraise the neuroprotective activities of different flavonoids based on clinical trials and epidemiological data. This review provides critical insights into the absorption, metabolism, and tissue distribution of various classes of flavonoids, as well as detailed mechanisms of the observed neuroprotective activities at the molecular level, to rationalize the clinical data. We further extend the review to critically evaluate the scope of flavonoids in the disease management of neurodegenerative disorders and review the suitability of C. elegans as a model organism to study the neuroprotective efficacy of flavonoids and natural products.

Acacetin is a Promising Drug Candidate for Cardiovascular Diseases

Phytochemical flavonoids have been proven to be effective in treating various disorders, including cardiovascular diseases. Acacetin is a natural flavone with diverse pharmacological effects, uniquely including atrial-selective anti-atrial fibrillation (AF) via the inhibition of the atrial specific potassium channel currents [Formula: see text] (ultra-rapidly delayed rectifier potassium current), [Formula: see text] (acetylcholine-activated potassium current), [Formula: see text] (calcium-activated small conductance potassium current), and [Formula: see text] (transient outward potassium current). [Formula: see text] inhibition by acacetin, notably, suppresses experimental J-wave syndromes. In addition, acacetin provides extensive cardiovascular protection against ischemia/reperfusion injury, cardiomyopathies/heart failure, autoimmune myocarditis, pulmonary artery hypertension, vascular remodeling, and atherosclerosis by restoring the downregulated intracellular signaling pathway of Sirt1/AMPK/PGC-1[Formula: see text] followed by increasing Nrf2/HO-1/SOD thereby inhibiting oxidation, inflammation, and apoptosis. This review provides an integrated insight into the capabilities of acacetin as a drug candidate for treating cardiovascular diseases, especially atrial fibrillation and cardiomyopathies/heart failure.

Hypsizygus marmoreus extract exhibited antioxidant effects to promote longevity and stress resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans

In this study, we explored the lifespan extension effect of a popular edible mushroom, Hypsizygus marmoreus, using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). The results showed that Hypsizygus marmoreus extract (HME) could increase the lifespan of C. elegans and ameliorate the healthspan by improving motility, attenuating lipofuscin accumulation, and enhancing the ability to withstand oxidative and heat stress. Then, we found noteworthy enhancements in SOD and CAT activities and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity in vivo. Combined with the up-regulation of the expression of antioxidant genes (skn-1, sod-1, sod-3, mev-1, and gst-4), HME may function as an antioxidant in nematodes, which may be closely related to its phenolic compounds. Furthermore, we found that HME promoted the transfer of the transcription factor SKN-1 to the nucleus but had no impact on the lifespan of skn-1 mutants, indicating that SKN-1 was essential for Hypsizygus marmoreus to exert beneficial biological effects in C. elegans. Our findings elucidated that dietary supplementation with Hypsizygus marmoreus might have beneficial anti-aging effects and contribute to exploring the lifespan extension and underlying mechanisms of Hypsizygus marmoreus in C. elegans.

Semen Ziziphus jujube Saponins Protects HaCaT Cells against UV Damage and Alleviates the Aging of Caenorhabditis elegans

The role of Semen Ziziphus jujube saponins in sedative and hypnosis has attracted much attention. The study aimed to investigate its possible UV damage protection and anti-aging effects. Total saponins (SZR I) and purified saponins (SZR II) were analyzed and compared by infrared spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The protective effects of SZR I, SZR II, and their three monomers on HaCaT cells damaged by UV were studied, and their anti-aging activities were observed by Caenorhabditis elegans with paraquat-induced oxidative stress. The results showed that SZR I and SZR II differ in chemical composition but both have the same three monomers. The cell survival rate treated with SZR I and SZR II at a concentration of 400 μg/mL increased by 34.45 and 88.98%, respectively, indicating that they could promote the proliferation of UVB-damaged HaCaT cells. Jujuboside A, Jujuboside B, and spinosin from the saponins exhibited similar effects on UVB-damaged HaCaT cells. SZR I and SZR II had little effect on reproductive performance but could delay the senescence caused by heat and oxidative stress of the C. elegans model. These results provide useful data that Semen Z. jujube saponin is a potential natural product with UV damage protection and anti-aging characteristics.

Acacetin resists UVA photoaging by mediating the SIRT3/ROS/MAPKs pathway

Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of skin photoaging, and the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Acacetin on skin photoaging in UVA‐irradiated mice and human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). Healthy dorsal depilated rats were irradiated with UVA 30 J/cm² daily, every other day, for 1 month. Acacetin (40, 80 mg kg/day) was coated to the bare skin of the rats' backs 1 h before UVA irradiation. HDF were treated different concentrations of Acacetin (5, 10, 20 μg/ml) and then irradiated with UVA (20 J/cm²). Acacetin was found to be effective in ameliorating UVA‐induced oxidative stress and cell death. Acacetin also prevented the UVA‐induced decrease of SIRT3, reduced the activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs, p‐38 and p‐JNK) and blocked the down‐regulated activation of oxidative stress in matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In addition, Acacetin increased the expressions of collagen‐promoting proteins (TGF‐β and Smad3). Finally, the SIRT3 inhibitor 3‐TYP blocked all protective effects of Acacetin, indicating that the protective effect of Acacetin against UVA photoaging is SIRT3‐dependent. Acacetin effectively mitigated photoaging by targeting the promotion of SIRT3, inhibiting the UVA‐induced increases in MMPs and pro‐inflammatory factors, and promoting TGF‐β and Smad3.

Protective effect of olive leaves phenolic compounds against neurodegenerative disorders: Promising alternative for Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases modulation

The main objective of this work was to review literature on compounds extracted from olive tree leaves, such as simple phenols (hydroxytyrosol) and flavonoids (Apigenin, apigenin-7-O-glucoside, luteolin.) and their diverse pharmacological activities as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-viral, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. In addition, the study discussed the key mechanisms underlying their neuroprotective effects. This study adopted an approach of collecting data through the databases provided by ScienceDirect, SCOPUS, MEDLINE, PubMed and Google Scholar. This review revealed that there was an agreement on the great impact of olive tree leaves phenolic compounds on many metabolic syndromes as well as on the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer and Parkinson. These findings would be of great importance for the use of olive tree leaves extracts as a food supplement and/or a source of drugs for many diseases. In addition, this review would of great help to beginning researchers in the field since it would offer them a general overview of the studies undertaken in the last two decades on the topic.

Bioactive Phytochemicals with Anti-Aging and Lifespan Extending Potentials in Caenorhabditis elegans

In the forms of either herbs or functional foods, plants and their products have attracted medicinal, culinary, and nutraceutical applications due to their abundance in bioactive phytochemicals. Human beings and other animals have employed those bioactive phytochemicals to improve health quality based on their broad potentials as antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-aging effects, amongst others. For the past decade and half, efforts to discover bioactive phytochemicals both in pure and crude forms have been intensified using the Caenorhabditis elegans aging model, in which various metabolic pathways in humans are highly conserved. In this review, we summarized the aging and longevity pathways that are common to C. elegans and humans and collated some of the bioactive phytochemicals with health benefits and lifespan extending effects that have been studied in C. elegans. This simple animal model is not only a perfect system for discovering bioactive compounds but is also a research shortcut for elucidating the amelioration mechanisms of aging risk factors and associated diseases.

Acacetin exerts antioxidant potential against atherosclerosis through Nrf2 pathway in apoE-/- Mice

Oxidative stress has a considerable influence on endothelial cell dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Acacetin, an anti-inflammatory and antiarrhythmic, is frequently used in the treatment of myocarditis, albeit its role in managing atherosclerosis is currently unclear. Thus, we evaluated the regulatory effects of acacetin in maintaining endothelial cell function and further investigated whether the flavonoid could attenuate atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E deficiency (apoE-/- ) mice. Different concentrations of acacetin were tested on EA.hy926 cells, either induced or non-induced by human oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), to clarify its influence on cell viability, cellular reactive oxidative stress (ROS) level, apoptotic ratios and other regulatory effects. In vivo, apoE-/- mice were fed either a Western diet or a chow diet. Acacetin pro-drug (15 mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously two times a day for 12 weeks. The effects of acacetin on the atherosclerotic process, plasma inflammatory factors and lipid metabolism were also investigated. Acacetin significantly increased EA.hy926 cell viability by reducing the ratios of apoptotic and necrotic cells at 3 μmol/L. Moreover, 3 μmol/L acacetin clearly decreased ROS levels and enhanced reductase protein expression through MsrA and Nrf2 pathway through phosphorylation of Nrf2 and degradation of Keap1. In vivo, acacetin treatment remarkably attenuated atherosclerosis by increasing reductase levels in circulation and aortic roots, decreasing plasma inflammatory factor levels as well as accelerating lipid metabolism in Western diet-fed apoE-/- mice. Our findings demonstrate the anti-oxidative and anti-atherosclerotic effects of acacetin, in turn suggesting its potential therapeutic value in atherosclerotic-related cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

Antioxidant Peptides from Sepia esculenta Hydrolyzate Attenuate Oxidative Stress and Fat Accumulation in Caenorhabditis elegans

The hydrolysate of golden cuttlefish (Sepia esculenta) was prepared by using papain, and then, it was further separated by ultrafiltration, gel filtration chromatography, and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The peptide components of the active fraction were identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and then two novel peptides, SeP2 (DVEDLEAGLAK, 1159.27 Da) and SeP5 (EITSLAPSTM, 1049.22 Da), were obtained and displayed significant alleviation effects on oxidative stress in Caenorhabditis elegans. Studies indicated that S. esculenta antioxidant peptides (SePs) increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity but reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levelsin oxidation-damaged nematodes. Using transgenic CF1553 nematodes, the sod-3p::GFP expression in the worms treated with SePs was significantly higher than that of the control nematodes. Real-time PCR also demonstrated that the expression of stress-related genes such as sod-3 is up-regulated by SePs. Furthermore, studies showed that SePs could obviously decrease fat accumulation as well as reduce the elevated ROS and MDA levels in high-fat nematodes. Taken together, these results indicated that SePs are capable of the activation of antioxidant defense and the inhibition of free radicals and lipid peroxidation, play important roles in attenuating oxidative stress and fat accumulation in C. elegans, and might have the potential to be used in nutraceutical and functional foods.

Acacetin, a flavone with diverse therapeutic potential in cancer, inflammation, infections and other metabolic disorders

BACKGROUND

Acacetin is a di-hydroxy and mono-methoxy flavone present in various plants, including black locust, Damiana, Silver birch. Literature information revealed that acacetin exhibits an array of pharmacological potential including chemopreventive and cytotoxic properties in cancer cell lines, prevents ischemia/reperfusion/myocardial infarction-induced cardiac injury, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), 1-methyl-4-phenyl pyridinium ion (MPP+) and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine hydrochloride (MPTP)-induced neuroinflammation, LPS and sepsis-induced lung injury, rheumatoid and collagen-induced arthritis, inhibit the microbial growth, obesity, viral-mediated infections as well as hepatic protection.

PURPOSE

This review highlights the therapeutic potential of acacetin, with updated and comprehensive information on the biological sources, chemistry, and pharmacological properties along with the possible mechanism of action, safety aspects, and future research opportunities.

STUDY DESIGN

The information was retrieved from various search engines, including Pubmed, SciFinder, Science direct, Inxight:drugs, Google scholar, and Meta cyc.

RESULT

The first section of this review focuses on the detailed biological source of acacetin, chromatographic techniques used for isolation, chemical characteristics, the method for the synthesis of acacetin, and the available natural and synthetic derivatives. Subsequently, the pharmacological activities, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-obesity, have been discussed. The pharmacokinetics data and toxicity profile of acacetin are also discussed.

CONCLUSION

Acacetin is a potent molecule reported for its strong anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity, however further scientific evidence is essential to validate its potency in disease models associated with inflammation and cancer. There is limited information available for toxicity profiling of acacetin; therefore, further studies would aid in establishing this natural flavone as a potent candidate for research studies at clinical setup.

Caernohabditis elegans as a Model Organism to Evaluate the Antioxidant Effects of Phytochemicals

The nematode Caernohabditis elegans was introduced as a model organism in biological research by Sydney Brenner in the 1970s. Since then, it has been increasingly used for investigating processes such as ageing, oxidative stress, neurodegeneration, or inflammation, for which there is a high degree of homology between C. elegans and human pathways, so that the worm offers promising possibilities to study mechanisms of action and effects of phytochemicals of foods and plants. In this paper, the genes and pathways regulating oxidative stress in C. elegans are discussed, as well as the methodological approaches used for their evaluation in the worm. In particular, the following aspects are reviewed: the use of stress assays, determination of chemical and biochemical markers (e.g., ROS, carbonylated proteins, lipid peroxides or altered DNA), influence on gene expression and the employment of mutant worm strains, either carrying loss-of-function mutations or fluorescent reporters, such as the GFP.

Bacopa monnieri (L.) wettst. Extract protects against glutamate toxicity and increases the longevity of Caenorhabditis elegans

Background

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, cause a great deal of suffering for both patients and carers. Bacopa monnieri (L.) wettst. Is known for its memory-enhancing properties, and is of great interest in treating neurodegenerative disease.

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate B.monnieri against glutamate toxicity, and identify whether B.monnieri reduces mitochondrial and ER stress, as well as to measure B.monnieri’s effect on the life span and aging of Caenorhabditis elegans. We hypothesized that B.monnieri would prevent cellular oxidative stress, prevent mitochondrial/ER stress, and increase the life span while reducing signs of aging in C.elegans.

Experimental procedures

Glutamate toxicity was measured using viable cell staining assays and the MTT assay. ROS and mitochondrial stress were assessed by H₂DCFDA and Rodamine123 staining, with fluorescence/confocal microscopy. C.elegans’ median and maximum life span were measured, in response to B.monnieri treatment, along with lipofuscin imaging to measure the health of the C.elegans population.

Results

B.monnieri hexane extract (but not ethanol extract) prevented the toxicity of 5 mM glutamate in HT-22 cells. We found that the mechanism involves the reduction of ROS production and the prevention of mitochondrial and ER stress. Furthermore, we showed that B.monnieri could increase the median and maximal lifespan of wild type C.elegans, maintain a younger appearing phenotype in the aged C.elegans.

Conclusions

In conclusion, B.monnieri prevents mitochondrial, and oxidative stress in the cultured cells. Furthermore, it can prolong the healthy lifespan of C.elegans, indicating that B.monnieri the potential for therapeutic and preventative use in neurodegenerative disease.

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First B.monnieri study to investigate the HT-22 cell glutamate toxicity model.

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B.monnieri protects HT-22 cells from oxidative stress caused by glutamate toxicity.

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B.monnieri prevents ER stress, changing the expression s of ER Stress proteins CHOP and ERP57.

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B.monnieri prevents mitochondrial stress, preventing mitochondrial leakage.

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B.monnieri increases the median and maximal life span, and reduces aging in wild type C.elegans.

Targeting pro-senescence mitogen activated protein kinase (Mapk) enzymes with bioactive natural compounds

Aging is a multifactorial universal process characterized by a gradual decrease in physiological and biochemical functions. Given that life expectancy is on the rise, a better understanding of molecular mechanisms of the aging process is necessary in order to develop anti-aging interventions. Uncontrolled cellular senescence promotes persistent inflammation and accelerates the aging process by decreasing tissue renewal, repair and regeneration. Senescence of immune cells, immunesenescence, is another hallmark of aging. Targeting pro-senescent enzymes increases survival and therefore the lifespan. Although the upregulation of Mitogen Activated Protein Kinases (MAPK) enzymes in aging is still controversial, increasing evidence shows that dysregulation of those enzymes are associated with biological processes that contribute to aging such as irreversible senescence. In this manuscript components of the MAPK pathway will be summarized, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38, as well as natural flavonoids, phenolic and diterpenoids with anti-senescence activity that shows positive effects on longevity and MAPK inhibition. Although more studies using additional aging models are needed, we suggest that these selected natural bioactive compounds that regulate MAPK enzymes and reduce senescent cells can be potentially used to improve longevity and prevent/treat age-related diseases.

Plant Extracts and Phytochemicals Targeting α-Synuclein Aggregation in Parkinson's Disease Models

α-Synuclein (α-syn) is a presynaptic protein that regulates the release of neurotransmitters from synaptic vesicles in the brain. α-Syn aggregates, including Lewy bodies, are features of both sporadic and familial forms of Parkinson's disease (PD). These aggregates undergo several key stages of fibrillation, oligomerization, and aggregation. Therapeutic benefits of drugs decline with disease progression and offer only symptomatic treatment. Novel therapeutic strategies are required which can either prevent or delay the progression of the disease. The link between α-syn and the etiopathogenesis and progression of PD are well-established in the literature. Studies indicate that α-syn is an important therapeutic target and inhibition of α-syn aggregation, oligomerization, and fibrillation are an important disease modification strategy. However, recent studies have shown that plant extracts and phytochemicals have neuroprotective effects on α-syn oligomerization and fibrillation by targeting different key stages of its formation. Although many reviews on the antioxidant-mediated, neuroprotective effect of plant extracts and phytochemicals on PD symptoms have been well-highlighted, the antioxidant mechanisms show limited success for translation to clinical studies. The identification of specific plant extracts and phytochemicals that target α-syn aggregation will provide selective molecules to develop new drugs for PD. The present review provides an overview of plant extracts and phytochemicals that target α-syn in PD and summarizes the observed effects and the underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, we provide a synopsis of current experimental models and techniques used to evaluate plant extracts and phytochemicals. Plant extracts and phytochemicals were found to inhibit the aggregation or fibril formation of oligomers. These also appear to direct α-syn oligomer formation into its unstructured form or promote non-toxic pathways and suggested to be valuable drug candidates for PD and related synucleinopathy. Current evidences from in vitro studies require confirmation in the in vivo studies. Further studies are needed to ascertain their potential effects and safety in preclinical studies for pharmaceutical/nutritional development of these phytochemicals or dietary inclusion of the plant extracts in PD treatment.

Antioxidant Characterization and Biological Effects of Grape Pomace Extracts Supplementation in Caenorhabditis elegans

The aim of this work was to evaluate the biological activity of four grape pomace (GP) extracts that are rich in polyphenols using C. elegans as an in vivo model. Different concentrations of the GP extracts were assessed for their effects on the resistance of C. elegans against thermally induced oxidative stress, accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lifespan. The cultivation of C. elegans with relatively low concentrations of GP extracts increased their resistance against thermal stress and prolonged their lifespan, while high levels displayed detrimental effects. In the studied extracts, maximum protection was observed for levels of polyphenols around 7 to 9 µg gallic acid equivalents per cultivation plate. The obtained results suggested that small changes in the ROS levels could have beneficial effects, although further studies are required to fully understand the impact of the extracts and assayed doses on ROS levels to explain the mechanism that is involved in the observed effects.

Epicatechin modulates stress-resistance in C. elegans via insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been used to examine the influence of epicatechin (EC), an abundant flavonoid in the human diet, in some stress biomarkers (ROS production, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation). Furthermore, the ability of EC to modulate the expression of some key genes in the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway (IIS), involved in longevity and oxidative or heat shock stress response, has also been explored. The final aim was to contribute to the elucidation of the mechanisms involved in the biological effects of flavonoids. The results showed that EC-treated wild-type C. elegans exhibited increased survival and reduced oxidative damage of biomolecules when submitted to thermal stress. EC treatment led to a moderate elevation in ROS levels, which might activate endogenous mechanisms of defense protecting against oxidative insult. The enhanced stress resistance induced by EC was found to be mediated through the IIS pathway, since assays in daf-2, age-1, akt-1, akt-2, sgk-1, daf-16, skn-1 and hsf-1 loss of function mutant strains failed to show any heat-resistant phenotype against thermal stress when treated with EC. Consistently, EC treatment upregulated the expression of some stress resistance associated genes, such as gst-4, hsp-16.2 and hsp-70, which are downstream regulated by the IIS pathway.

Phytochemical and Pharmacological Role of Liquiritigenin and Isoliquiritigenin From Radix Glycyrrhizae in Human Health and Disease Models

The increasing lifespan in developed countries results in age-associated chronic diseases. Biological aging is a complex process associated with accumulated cellular damage by environmental or genetic factors with increasing age. Aging results in marked changes in brain structure and function. Age-related neurodegenerative diseases and disorders (NDDs) represent an ever-growing socioeconomic challenge and lead to an overall reduction in quality of life around the world. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are most common degenerative neurological disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) in aging process. The low levels of acetylcholine and dopamine are major neuropathological feature of NDDs in addition to oxidative stress, intracellular calcium ion imbalance, mitochondrial dysfunction, ubiquitin-proteasome system impairment and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Current treatments minimally influence these diseases and are ineffective in curing the multifunctional pathological mechanisms. Synthetic neuroprotective agents sometimes have negative reactions as an adverse effect in humans. Recently, numerous ethnobotanical studies have reported that herbal medicines for the treatment or prevention of NDDs are significantly better than synthetic drug treatment. Medicinal herbs have traditionally been used around the world for centuries. Radix Glycyrrhizae (RG) is the dried roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis or G. glabra or G. inflata from the Leguminosae/Fabaceae family. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine as a life enhancer, for the treatment of coughs and influenza, and for detoxification. Diverse chemical constituents from RG have reported including flavanones, chalcones, triterpenoid saponins, coumarines, and other glycosides. Among them, flavanone liquiritigenin (LG) and its precursor and isomer chalcone isoliquiritigenin (ILG) are the main bioactive constituents of RG. In the present review, we summarize evidence in the literature on the structure and phytochemical properties and pharmacological applications of LG and ILG in age-related diseases to establish new therapeutics to improve human health and lifespan.

Aspirin Derivative 5-(Bis(3-methylbut-2-enyl)amino)-2-hydroxybenzoic Acid Improves Thermotolerance via Stress Response Proteins in Caenorhabditis elegans

Aging is a major risk factor for many prevalent diseases. Pharmacological intervention to improve the health span and extend the lifespan could be a preventive elixir for aging and age-related diseases. The non-steroid anti-inflammation medicine aspirin was reported to delay aging in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) and mice. We are wondering if the analogues of aspirin could also present antiaging activity. Here, we synthesized several aspirin derivatives and investigated their thermotolerance and antiaging effect in C. elegans. One of the compounds, 5-(bis(3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl)amino)-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, moderately increased the survival of C. elegans under heat stress, but could not extend the lifespan under optimum conditions. This compound could increase the mRNA level of stress response gene gst-4, and the mRNA and protein expression level of heat shock protein hsp-16.2 under heat stress. The failure of activating the transcription factor DAF-16 might explain why this compound could not act as aspirin to extend the lifespan of C. elegans. Our results would help further the investigation of the pharmacological activity of aspirin analogues and the relationship between structures and activity.

Current Perspective in the Discovery of Anti-aging Agents from Natural Products

Aging is a process characterized by accumulating degenerative damages, resulting in the death of an organism ultimately. The main goal of aging research is to develop therapies that delay age-related diseases in human. Since signaling pathways in aging of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), fruit flies and mice are evolutionarily conserved, compounds extending lifespan of them by intervening pathways of aging may be useful in treating age-related diseases in human. Natural products have special resource advantage and with few side effect. Recently, many compounds or extracts from natural products slowing aging and extending lifespan have been reported. Here we summarized these compounds or extracts and their mechanisms in increasing longevity of C. elegans or other species, and the prospect in developing anti-aging medicine from natural products.

Behavioral Phenotyping and Pathological Indicators of Parkinson's Disease in C. elegans Models

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with symptoms that progressively worsen with age. Pathologically, PD is characterized by the aggregation of α-synuclein in cells of the substantia nigra in the brain and loss of dopaminergic neurons. This pathology is associated with impaired movement and reduced cognitive function. The etiology of PD can be attributed to a combination of environmental and genetic factors. A popular animal model, the nematode roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans, has been frequently used to study the role of genetic and environmental factors in the molecular pathology and behavioral phenotypes associated with PD. The current review summarizes cellular markers and behavioral phenotypes in transgenic and toxin-induced PD models of C. elegans.

Therapeutic role of sirtuins in neurodegenerative disease and their modulation by polyphenols

Searching for effective therapeutic agents‏‎ to ‎‏prevent‏ ‏neurodegeneration ‎is a challenging task due ‎to ‎the growing list of neurodegenerative disorders associated with a multitude of inter-related pathways.‎ The induction and inhibition of several different signaling pathways has been shown to slow down and/or attenuate ‎neurodegeneration and decline in cognition and locomotor function. Among these signaling pathways, a new class of enzymes known as sirtuins or silent information regulators of gene transcription has been shown to play important regulatory roles in the ageing process. SIRT1, a nuclear sirtuin, has received ‎particular interest due to its role as a deacetylase for several metabolic and signaling proteins involved in stress response, apoptosis, mitochondrial function, self-renewal, and ‎neuroprotection. ‎A new strategy to treat ‎neurodegenerative diseases is targeted therapy. In ‎this ‎paper, we‎ ‎ reviewed up-to-date findings regarding the targeting of ‎SIRT1 by polyphenolic ‎compounds,‎ ‎as a ‎new ‎‏approach in the search for novel, safe and effective treatments for ‎ ‎neurodegenerative ‎diseases. ‎.