Ameliorative effect of Argyreia boseana Sant. & Pat. on stress in C. elegans

BACKGROUND: Argyreia boseana Santapau and Patel commonly known as Kumbharao belongs to the family of Convolvulaceae. The plant is rare in distribution and found chiefly in the dediapada region of Gujarat. Traditionally it is used by the tribals of south Gujarat forest region in the treatment of various diseases of the nervous system. In order to study the scientific basis of the plants effect we set out to investigate the effect of the plant on ageing organisms and used Caenorhabditis elegans as a model. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of crude extract of leaves, prepared from A. boseana on oxidative stress, thermal stress, longevity and in vivo gene expression of C. elegans. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Plant extracts was prepared by sonication based method using solvent ethanol:water. Longevity experiments were carried out in liquid S media. Oxidative stress was induced by paraquat. RESULT: Results indicate no increase in the normal life span of C. elegans. However, A. boseana significantly induces stress tolerance and increased the mean lifespan of worms during thermal and oxidative stress. Additionally A. boseana was also able to up regulate the stress associated gene gst-4. CONCLUSION: Thus the present study, for the first time, unravels the anti-stress and ROS modulating effect of A. boseana.