Fucoxanthin Promotes Longevity and Neuroprotection in Caenorhabditis elegans via DAF-16 and Autophagy Pathways

Abstract

Identification of natural compounds that delay aging and prevent age-related neurodegeneration is a key goal in gerontology. Fucoxanthin, a marine-derived xanthophyll, exhibits potent antioxidant properties, yet its effects on organismal aging and specific molecular mechanisms remain underexplored. Here, we investigated the pro-longevity and neuroprotective effects of fucoxanthin using Caenorhabditis elegans. Fucoxanthin supplementation significantly extended the mean lifespan of wild-type nematodes by 12.1% and improved health span, as evidenced by delayed age-related motility decline and enhanced resistance to oxidative stress. Notably, this lifespan extension occurred without compromising reproductive fitness. Genetic analysis revealed that the beneficial effects of fucoxanthin require the FOXO transcription factor DAF-16 and the autophagy-essential gene bec-1. Furthermore, fucoxanthin treatment increased autophagic flux and upregulated the expression of SKN-1/Nrf2-dependent detoxification genes, hsp-16.2 and gst-4. In nematode models of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, fucoxanthin significantly ameliorated Aβ-induced paralysis and protected against dopaminergic neurodegeneration and α-synuclein accumulation in a DAF-16-dependent manner. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that fucoxanthin acts as a multitarget geroprotector that promotes healthy aging through the coordinated activation of DAF-16 and autophagy, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic intervention for age-related decline.