Ilex paraguariensis Extends Lifespan and Increases an Ability to Resist Environmental Stresses in Drosophila

Abstract

Aging is a complex process resulting in (1) a decline in body functions and capacity to withstand environmental stress and (2) an increased susceptibility to diseases including, but not limited to, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, cancer, and dementia. Among a number of herbal products used to alleviate symptoms associated with aging is Ilex paraguariensis (IP). This product has been reported to have anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. However, its effect on an organisms' longevity has not been thoroughly studied to date. Here, we report that 10 mg/mL IP supplementation significantly extended the lifespan of Drosophila. Additionally, IP enhanced flies' ability to resist environmental stress as estimated using starvation, paraquat, and desiccation assays. Additional experiments revealed insignificant changes in weight gain, physical activity, and metabolic profiles such as levels of water, lipid, and protein in flies receiving IP supplementation. Rather, levels of messenger RNA for enzymes that scavenge reactive oxygen species (i.e., superoxide dismutases, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) were found to be significantly altered despite subtle changes in their catalytic activities. We hope that our research demonstrating IP-induced lifespan extension and related biological mechanisms of this interesting phenomenon will encourage further studies, which may eventually determine whether IP has utility as a novel antiaging agent.

Keywords: lifespan; reactive oxygen species.