DAF-16 and SKN-1 mediate Anti-aging and Neuroprotective efficacies of “thai ginseng” Kaempferia parviflora Rhizome extract in Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The rhizomes of Kaempferia parviflora (KP), have been traditionally used for treating various ailments with 5,7-dimethoxyflavone (DMF) as a prominent compound. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anti-aging and neuroprotective properties of KP and DMF in Caenorhabditis elegans. METHODS: C. elegans (wild-type (N2), transgenic and mutant strains) were treated with KP and DMF and were monitored for lifespan and neuroprotection through physiological assays, fluorescence microscopy and qPCR analysis. Molecular docking studies were employed to identify the interaction mode of DMF with DAF-16 and SKN-1. RESULTS: KP and DMF significantly increased the lifespan of N2 along with modulating pharyngeal pumping and lipofuscin accumulation. They also exhibited neuroprotection in Aβ transgenic strains by improving lifespan and delaying paralysis. Further, they reduced ROS accumulation significantly in worms exposed to UV-A, thereby exhibiting anti-photoaging potential. KP and DMF could activate SKN-1, DAF-16 which was evident from molecular docking and qPCR analysis. The DAF-2 and DAF-16 mutants did not exhibit any variations in lifespan upon treatment with KP and DMF suggesting the involvement of the DAF-16 mediated pathway in regulating the anti-aging and neuroprotective effects. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that KP with DMF as an active ingredient is a potential nutraceutical for aging and associated disorders.