Lifespan extending properties of Kalanchoe daigremontiana plant extracts in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Kalanchoe daigremontiana, commonly known as mother of thousands and the alligator plant, is a traditional remedy that has been used in various countries to treat inflammation and related disorders. The long-standing use of this plant makes it a promising candidate for the discovery of new anti-inflammatory and anti-aging compounds. Varying concentrations of K. daigremontiana extract (water (H2O), hexane (Hex), methanol (MeOH), chloroform (CHCl3) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc)) were tested on Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the yeast were tolerant of all extract concentrations examined. The extracts were then tested for lifespan altering effects in yeast utilizing the growth-based lifespan measuring DeaD (Death of Daughters) assay. It was found that each extract under multiple concentrations increased replicative lifespan. Furthermore, extracts from the EtOAc extract were able to overcome the powerful lifespan shortening effects of the sirtuin inhibitor nicotinamide. The increase in yeast lifespan with the addition of these extracts, indicates the value of K. daigremontiana in the study of lifespan and the potential for the development of drugs to combat age-related disease, inflammation and to extend healthspan/ lifespan.