Antiaging and antioxidative effects of water extract of Zizyphus jujuba Mill on Caenorhabditis elegans

Zizyphus jujuba Mill is a typical food-medicine homology in China, and the adage of "three jujubes a day, longevity" highlights its potential antiaging properties. However, its antiaging effect and mechanism have been poorly explored. In this study, Caenorhabditis elegans was utilized to investigate the antiaging effects and underlying mechanisms of the active components of jujube water extract (ZJME). We discovered that ZJME is rich in polysaccharides (264.15 mg/g), polyphenols (9.29 mg/g), cAMP and other components with antioxidant effects. ZJME significantly prolonged the average and maximum lifespan (31 % and 14 %) of nematodes under oxidative stress conditions. ZJME reduced the release of ROS and RNS by 44 % and 22 %, and increased the activity of the antioxidant enzymes SOD by 18 % (P < 0.01) and CAT by 55 % (P < 0.05). qRT-PCR analysis revealed that ZJME regulated the AMPK and MAPK pathway while inhibiting the IIS pathway to enhance the antioxidant defense system.