Effects of Cyanidin on Lifespan Extension and Neurodegeneration Inhibition in <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i>

Cyanidin, an anthocyanin pigment responsible for the red, purple, and blue hues in various fruits and flowers, exhibits a wide range of biological activities, including potential anti-aging effects.In this study, we investigated the effects of cyanidin on aging and neurodegeneration in Caenorhabditis elegans.Cyanidin treatment extended the lifespan of C. elegans by approximately 15% compared to dimethyl sulfoxide-treated controls.Additionally, neurodegeneration assays showed a more than 20% reduction in the frequency of abnormal mechanosensory neuron formation and a 19% improvement in nerve function.Short-term memory was also enhanced by approximately 40%.These effects are likely mediated by cyanidin's antioxidant properties, activation of age-related gene pathways, involvement in mitochondrial uncoupling, reduction of reactive oxygen species, and enhanced mitophagy.Our findings suggest that cyanidin holds promise as a candidate for preventing aging and neurodegenerative diseases, warranting further research into its potential applications in the development of functional foods and therapeutic products.