Review on potential of Caenorhabditis Elegans as an anti-aging evaluation model for polysaccharides

Polysaccharides, a class of natural bioactive macromolecules derived from diverse sources including plants, animals, and microorganisms, have garnered significant attention due to their remarkable biological activities. Studies have demonstrated that polysaccharides exert a wide range of biological functions, particularly in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities, suggesting their potential for anti-aging applications. Among various experimental models in aging research, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) has emerged as a particularly valuable model organism owing to its unique morphological, behavioral, and genetic characteristics. This review systematically examines the anti-aging properties of polysaccharides in C. elegans, with particular emphasis on the underlying signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms involved. It also comprehensively summarizes established methodologies for assessing the anti-aging potential of polysaccharides and offers valuable insights for developing polysaccharide-based anti-aging supplements.