Plant and fungal products that extend lifespan in caenorhabditis elegans

Jan Martel, Cheng Yeu Wu, Hsin Hsin Peng, Yun Fei Ko, Hung Chi Yang, John D. Young, David M. Ojcius*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a useful model to study aging due to its short lifespan, ease of manipulation, and available genetic tools. Several molecules and extracts derived from plants and fungi extend the lifespan of C. elegans by modulating aging-related pathways that are conserved in more complex organisms. Modulation of aging pathways leads to activation of autophagy, mitochondrial biogenesis and expression of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes in a manner similar to caloric restriction. Low and moderate concentrations of plant and fungal molecules usually extend lifespan, while high concentrations are detrimental, consistent with a lifespan-modulating mechanism involving hormesis. We review here molecules and extracts derived from plants and fungi that extend the lifespan of C. elegans, and explore the possibility that these natural substances may produce health benefits in humans.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)255-269
Number of pages15
JournalMicrobial Cell
Volume7
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - 09 07 2020

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 Martel et al. This is an open-access article released under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license, which allows the unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are acknowledged.

Keywords

  • Autophagy
  • Caloric restriction mimetics
  • Dietary supplements
  • Hormesis
  • Phytochemicals

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