Natural anti-aging innovations: Bakuchiol role in longevity and stress resilience through DAF-16 pathway activation

Drawing from the deep-rooted knowledge of traditional medicine, the Fabaceae family particularly Psoralea corylifolia has been esteemed for its natural remedies against aging. In this study Bakuchiol, a phenolic compound derived from P.corylifolia is explored for its potential to mitigate age-related deterioration through a close examination of its effects on Caenorhabditis elegans. Rather than seeing aging as mere decline, we investigate it as a dynamic process of molecular changes where Bakuchiol may play a pivotal role by influencing key genetic pathways to counter cellular damage and oxidative stress. Using a range of C. elegans strains including those with precise genetic modifications, this study probes Bakuchiol interaction with essential regulators of aging primarily the DAF-16 transcription factor, a counterpart to mammalian FOXO and the insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IIS) pathway. The findings show that Bakuchiol at an optimal concentration of 37.5 μM meaningfully extends lifespan and enhances resilience to stress independent of microbial influences. Notably, Bakuchiol promotes the nuclear translocation of DAF-16, up regulates stress-response genes and boosts the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD-3) solidifying its role in modulating aging via conserved genetic mechanisms. This research highlights Bakuchiol potential as a powerful natural agent for aging intervention enriching the field of biogerontology and pointing toward the translational promise of plant derived compounds in developing advanced anti-aging therapies.