Unlocking the Potential of <i>Curcumae Rhizoma</i> Aqueous Extract in Stress Resistance and Extending Lifespan in <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i>
The enhancement of stress resistance is crucial for delaying aging and extending a healthy lifespan. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a cherished treasure of Chinese heritage, has shown potential in mitigating stress and promoting longevity. This study integrates network pharmacology and in vivo...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Molecules |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/8/1668 |
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| Summary: | The enhancement of stress resistance is crucial for delaying aging and extending a healthy lifespan. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a cherished treasure of Chinese heritage, has shown potential in mitigating stress and promoting longevity. This study integrates network pharmacology and in vivo analysis to investigate the mechanisms and effects of <i>Curcumae Rhizoma</i> (<i>C. Rhizoma</i>), known as “E Zhu” in Chinese. Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) identified 10 active compounds in its aqueous extract, interacting with 128 stress-related targets. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses revealed pathways such as stress response, FoxO signaling, and insulin resistance. In <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i>, 10 mg/mL of <i>C. Rhizoma</i> aqueous extract improved resistance to UV, thermal, oxidative, and pathogen-induced stress, extending lifespan in a dose-dependent manner. Mechanistically, it reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and enhanced UV resistance via the insulin/IGF-1 pathway and DAF-16 translocation. Molecular docking highlighted hexahydrocurcumin (HHC) and related compounds as key bioactives. Furthermore, we also observed that <i>C. Rhizoma</i> aqueous extract significantly extended both the lifespan and healthspan of nematodes. These findings highlight the potential of <i>C. Rhizoma</i> in stress mitigation and longevity promotion, offering valuable insights into the therapeutic applications of TCM. |
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| ISSN: | 1420-3049 |