To investigate the anti-aging activity of polysaccharide from Dendrobium officinale leaves in Caenorhabditis elegans.

The suspension of Escherichia coli OP50 containing polysaccharide at different concentrations (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/mL) was given to the nematode on a daily basis. A suspension of Escherichia coli OP50 was used as a control to evaluate the effects of the polysaccharide on the lifespan, reproductive capacity, locomotion behavior, and stress resistance of C. elegans. Meanwhile, the effects of the polysaccharide on antioxidant function in C. elegans were investigated by measuring the accumulation level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant enzyme activities.

Within the tested concentration range, the polysaccharide prolonged the lifespan, increased locomotion capacity and stress resistance of C. elegans without damaging its reproductive capacity, increased the activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase and significantly reduced the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) (P < 0.05). The results showed that the polysaccharide from D. officinale leaves improves the activity of antioxidant enzymes and stress resistance, reduces ROS levels and alleviates cell oxidative damage, thereby prolonging the lifespan of C. elegans.