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Updated: Nov 17, 2025
Measurements of Physiological Stress Responses in C. Elegans
Published on: May 21, 2020
Ursolic acid enhances stress resistance, reduces ROS accumulation and prolongs life span in C. elegans
Janine Naß1, Sara Abdelfatah, Thomas Efferth
1Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany. efferth@uni-mainz.de.
Introduction:
Depression and anxiety disorders contribute to the global disease burden. Ursolic acid (UA), a natural compound present in many vegetables, fruits and medicinal plants, was tested in vivo for its effect on (1) enhancing resistance to stress and (2) its effect on life span.
Methods:
The compound was tested for its antioxidant activity in C. elegans. Stress resistance was tested in the heat and osmotic stress assay. Additionally, the influence on normal life span was examined. RT-PCR was used to assess possible serotonin targets.
Results:
UA prolonged the life span of C. elegans. Additionally, UA significantly lowered reactive oxygen species (ROS). Molecular docking studies, PCR analysis and microscale thermophoresis (MST) supported the results that UA acts through serotonin receptors to enhance stress resistance.
Discussion:
Considering the urgent need for new and safe medications in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders, our results indicate that UA may be a promising new drug candidate.
