Dendrobium officinale leaf extract extends the mean lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans via the DAF-16/SOD-3 axis

This study aims to investigate the mechanism by which extract of Dendrobium officinale leaves (EDL) extends the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans. Untargeted metabolomics and network pharmacology analyses revealed that EDL primarily contains active components such as fatty acids, flavonoids, and polyphenols, which are predicted to potentially modulate pathways including MAPK, AMPK, mTOR, and longevity-related signaling pathways. Experimental results showed that 2 mg/mL EDL significantly extended the mean lifespan of nematodes by 11.4%, enhanced pharyngeal pumping rate and muscular endurance, but reduced brood size. EDL treatment also significantly decreased lipid droplet accumulation, cell apoptosis, and lipofuscin levels. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that EDL regulated the expression of multiple genes related to energy metabolism, particularly activating longevity-regulating pathways and the AMPK signaling pathway. RT-qPCR results demonstrated that EDL significantly increased the mRNA level of sod-3 in C.elegans. In conclusion, EDL may upregulate the expression of the sod-3 gene via the DAF-16/SOD-3 axis, thereby extending lifespan in C. elegans, providing a scientific basis for the high-value utilization of Dendrobium officinale leaves.