Persimmon oligomeric proanthocyanidins extend life span of senescence-accelerated mice

The anti-aging activities of persimmon oligomeric proanthocyanidins (POPs), reported to improve life span and behavioral characteristics associated with the aging process, were investigated using the senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM) P8, which is a good model for studies on aging-related behavioral changes as well as life span. We demonstrated that the administration of POPs extended the life span of SAMP8. In addition, POPs elevated Sirt1 expression, which is recognized as an essential factor for life span extension in the brain. On the other hand, the administration of POPs did not induce stereotypical behaviors such as rearing, jumping, and hanging from the lid of a cage, whereas food restriction increased these frequencies without a significant change in motor function. The present study suggests a promising role of POPs as anti-aging agents to extend life span, although further studies elucidating their anti-aging mechanisms acting are needed.