Natural plant extract boosts roundworm lifespan by 40%

Researchers at Louisiana State University (LSU) may have uncovered the key to living a longer and healthier life – thanks to the humble roundworm.

The researchers fed the worms various doses of Artemisia scoparia – a natural plant extract native to Asia.

Worms treated with the highest and second highest doses showed a near-immediate improvement to metabolic health.

They also lived 40 per cent longer and handled stress better than the control group.

The research also revealed that Artemisia scoparia helps convert the body’s unhealthy fat stores into healthy fat stores.

The study builds on previous work on metabolic health in mice, leading the researchers to conclude that the results could be replicated in humans.

Bhaswati Ghosh, LSU student and lead author of the published study, said:

“Until recently, it wasn’t really known how ageing could be modified through diet, or how core metabolic signalling pathways influence longevity.

“What we’ve been able to show is that a natural extract can come in and influence these pathways in much the same way a genetic mutation would.

“Importantly, it gives us a therapeutic standpoint.

“We know age is the primary risk factor for many diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, but if you think of ageing as a treatable disease, you can actually treat many diseases at once.”

The greatest longevity in lifespan was seen in the worms treated during the time they reached reproductive maturity.

However, even in the worms treated during middle-age, Artemisia scoparia increased lifespan by 20 per cent.

As well as exploring the life-prolonging potential of the plant, the research reinforces the link between metabolic health, fat regulation and longer lifespans.

The worms with the increased lifespan grew fatter and slower but at the same time, healthier and more resilient.

Bohnert said:

“Usually people think of fat as ‘bad,’ but in these cases, it seems good, and actually pro-longevity.

“Artemisia scoparia could have some exciting potential as a dietary supplement.

“Also, the simple fact that an organism is short, fat and slow-moving does not necessarily qualify it as in poor health.

“These phenotypes must be considered in the full context of other parameters, including lifespan.”

Header Image Courtesy of Bhaswati Ghosh, LSU