Icariin Extends Life in Nematode Worms
Icariin supplementation has shown promising results in improving health and the state of the gut microbiome in mice. It has also demonstrated neuroprotective effects in previous studies. New research reveals that icariin extends the lifespan of nematode worms by influencing the well-studied DAF-2 gene, similar to the effects of DAF-2 mutation. This presents potential implications for human longevity, although further research is needed to determine the translation of these findings to humans. It is worth noting that interventions targeting metabolic regulation in longer-lived species have shown diminishing returns.
Aging is a global challenge, with a growing proportion of individuals aged 60 and older. Research into pro-longevity interventions targeting key signaling pathways is of significant interest. Using natural compounds known as hormetins, such as the flavonoid icariin, has shown promise in addressing age-related diseases. Studies using the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans as an experimental platform have demonstrated that icariin extends lifespan and improves late-life healthspan through modulation of the DAF-2 gene, a key player in the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway in humans. These findings suggest that icariin has potential as a hormetic agent with geroprotective properties.
Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010352
