Ginger extract extends the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster through antioxidation and ameliorating metabolic dysfunction

Abstract

Ginger, a kind of foods supplement, is rich in gingerols, shogaols and paradols, possesses extensive pharmacological activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-aging potential and underlying mechanisms of ginger extract (GE) in Drosophila melanogaster by detecting natural lifespan and the mRNA level of antioxidant genes, and the metabolomics approach based on UPLC-MS/MS. The W1118 wild type flies were maintained on four diets containing varying amount of GE. The results showed that GE prolonged the mean and maximum lifespan of flies, and up-regulated the expression of SOD2 and CAT, down-regulated the expression of MTH, significantly. Additionally, thirteen potential biomarkers which were regulated by GE were identified. The metabolic pathway analysis suggested that GE anti-aging involved in regulating the amino acid, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. These results indicate that the anti-aging effect of GE is achieved by protecting mitochondrial function, coordinating the oxidation-antioxidant balance and ameliorating metabolic dysfunction.

Keywords

• Ginger extract
• Drosophila melanogaster
• Anti-aging
• Antioxidation
• UPLC-MS/MS
• Metabolomics