Protective Effects of Passiflora edulis Fruit Extract on Caenorhabditis elegans under Low and High Oxidative Stress Conditions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64614/vzs-21Keywords:
Caenorhabditis elegans, Passiflora edulis, oxidative stress, ROS, reproduction, survivalAbstract
The worm Caenorhabditis elegans has a number of advantages, including lifespan, reactive oxygen species, fecundity, germline cell apoptosis, population growth, and mitochondrial membrane potential, as well as its ability to survive a wide range of environmental conditions, making it a useful model organism for investigating the effects of natural compounds and plants. Passiflora edulis Sims edulis (purple passion fruit) possesses high antioxidant activity due to its high polyphenol content. Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant defenses, is a key factor in cellular dysfunction and degenerative diseases. Natural antioxidants, particularly polyphenolic compounds, have demonstrated potential in mitigating oxidative damage. This study investigates the protective effects of Passiflora edulis Sims f. edulis (passion fruit) extrac (PFE) on the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans under low and high oxidative stress conditions. Synchronized L3–L4 nematodes were exposed to 0.5 mmol/L H₂O₂ for 30 minutes (low stress) or 60 minutes (high stress) and subsequently treated with low (28 µL) or high (555 µL) doses of PFE. ROS levels, survival rate, reproduction, and population growth were evaluated. Results indicated that low-dose PFE reduced ROS levels and improved survival, while high-dose PFE increased ROS under both stress and non-stress conditions. Reproductive capacity and population growth were significantly enhanced by PFE, with dose- and stress-dependent effects. These findings suggest that PFE exhibits adaptive hormetic effects at low concentrations and potential protective activity against oxidative stress, whereas high doses may induce oxidative stress under certain conditions.
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