Effect of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus Extracts on Stress Response and Aging in Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract

Acanthopanax sessiliflorus has been used as traditional medicine in many diseases. The extracts from Acanthopanax sessiliflorus leaves were examined for their anti-oxidant activity in vivo. Resistance to oxidative stress was significantly increased by Acanthopanax sessiliflorus extracts. Since increased resistance to oxidative stress is commonly positively correlated with lifespan extension, we determined the effect of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus on lifespan of C. elegans. Both mean and maximum lifespan were markedly increased by Acanthopanax sessiliflorus extracts. In addition, the treatment of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus enhanced the survival of worms under heat stress. However, the reduced fertility or delayed reproduction period frequently accompanied with increased lifespan were not observed in Acanthopanax sessiliflorus-treated animals. These findings suggest that Acanthopanax sessiliflorus leaves can confer longevity phenotype without reduced fertility, possibly through their anti-oxidant activity.