Regulation and mechanism of Bletilla striata polysaccharide on delaying aging in Drosophila melanogaster

Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP) is a natural bioactive compound known for its promising health benefits, including antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, its potential in combating aging remains largely unexplored. This study aims to investigate the anti-aging effects of BSP in the Drosophila melanogaster model. The results show that BSP supplementation significantly extends the lifespan of flies in a concentration-dependent manner, with the most pronounced effects observed at a concentration of 3 mg/mL. Lifespan extension is associated with enhanced antioxidative capacities, as evidenced by increased SOD and CAT activities, and decreased MDA content. Additionally, BSP ameliorates age-related symptoms, including improved climbing ability and enhanced intestinal barrier function. Furthermore, BSP supplementation enhances resistance to H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative and starvation stresses, attenuates the lead (Pb)-induced toxicity, and delays the onset of Alzheimer's phenotypes in flies. RNA-Seq analysis reveals that BSP supplementation leads to the differential expression of 992 genes. KEGG pathway analysis highlights significant changes in metabolic pathways, including galactose metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism , and carbon metabolism . Key genes such as Mal-A1 , Amy-d , Men-b , Pgm-1 , Mdh1 , and Hex-C are downregulated, while CG32026 , CG11291, and Ald2 are upregulated. These findings suggest BSP exhibits significant anti-aging and protective properties, making it a potential therapeutic agent.