Antioxidant And Anti-Aging Effects Of Quercetin 3-O-Rhamnoside Isolated From Houttuynia Cordata Thunb Extract On Caenorhabditis Elegans
Our bodies naturally produce harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a byproduct of normal processes, but an excess of these can lead to “oxidative stress,” which is a major contributor to aging and various diseases. While synthetic antioxidants exist, their safety is often debated. This has led researchers to explore natural sources for compounds that can combat oxidative stress and its effects on aging.
One such natural source is the plant Houttuynia cordata, traditionally known for its medicinal properties. Scientists recently investigated an extract from this plant and identified a specific compound, quercetin 3-O-rhamnoside (also known as quercitrin), as a key player in its beneficial effects.
To understand how this compound works, researchers used a tiny worm called Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. These worms are often used in aging research because they have a relatively short lifespan and many of their aging-related genes are similar to those in humans.
The study found that treatment with quercitrin had several remarkable effects on the worms. It significantly increased the activity of their natural antioxidant enzymes, which are like the body’s internal defense system against ROS. This led to a reduction in the accumulation of harmful ROS, essentially lowering oxidative stress. Furthermore, the worms treated with quercitrin lived longer, showed improved resistance to stressful conditions like heat, and had less accumulation of aging pigments, which are markers of cellular wear and tear. The research also revealed that quercitrin influenced specific proteins involved in the worms’ aging pathways, suggesting a deeper mechanism behind its anti-aging effects.
These findings highlight the potential of natural compounds like quercitrin from Houttuynia cordata as promising agents for promoting healthy aging and protecting against oxidative damage.
Source: link to paper