Root extract of traditional Chinese medicine plants makes worms live longer

The root extract of Fallopia multiflora, or Chinese knotweed, has a special property: it makes the nematode C. elegans live longer and protects it from oxidative stress. A new study by the nutrition scientist at Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) at Martin Luther University proves this. The researchers provided scientific evidence to prove the effectiveness of the extract, which is mainly used in traditional Chinese medicine and dietary supplements. At the same time, they have identified molecular signaling pathways that may lead to extract effects.

Their research was recently published in the international scientific journal Plants.

Chinese knotweed is very popular. Many suppliers sell extracts and powders of this plant as dietary supplements and promote the rejuvenation and health-promoting effects of the product. However, only a few science-based studies have studied its impact.