Natto (fermented soybean) extract extends the adult lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans

Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2013;77(2):392-4. doi: 10.1271/bbb.120726. Epub 2013 Feb 7.

Abstract

We investigated the effects of a water extract of natto on the aging of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The water extract significantly prolonged the adult lifespan of the wild-type worms and rendered them resistant to oxidative and thermal stress. In addition, treatment with natto extract significantly delayed the accumulation of lipofuscin, a characteristic of aging cells. Our findings suggest that components of natto have a beneficial anti-aging effect in vivo.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / drug effects*
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / physiology
  • Complex Mixtures / pharmacology*
  • Fermentation
  • Hot Temperature
  • Lipofuscin / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Lipofuscin / biosynthesis
  • Longevity / drug effects*
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects
  • Soy Foods / analysis*
  • Water

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Biomarkers
  • Complex Mixtures
  • Lipofuscin
  • Water