Saponin-rich extracts from Holothuria leucospilota mediate lifespan extension and stress resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans via daf-16.

Saponins are secondary metabolite compounds that can be found in sea cucumbers (Holothuroidea spp.). However, little is known about how saponin-rich extracts from Holothuria leucospilota can delay and prolong the lifespan of the whole organism. In this study, anti-aging effects of H. leucospilota extracts were studied on Caenorhabditis elegans. NMR analysis revealed that body wall n-butanol-extract of H. leucospilota (BW-BU) is saponin-rich. BW-BU extracts exhibited antioxidant activities by 2,2'-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay (EC50 = 10.23 +/- 0.12 mg/ml) and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid assay (EC50 = 3.91 +/- 0.04 mg/ml). BW-BU extracts increased lifespan of L4 and L1 C. elegans (5.92% and 15.76%, respectively), which also increased worm growth, stress resistance, and reduced biomarkers for aging. BW-BU extracts activated DAF-16 nuclear localization and up-regulated daf-16 and DAF-16 target genes expression. Taken together, this study revealed the evidences on anti-aging activities of saponin-rich extracts from H. leucospilota, which can extend lifespan of C. elegans via daf-16.