Anti-aging Effects and Chemical Composition of Dorema ammoniacum Gum Essence and Lonicera caprifolium Extract

Abstract

The aging process is a multifactorial phenomenon that results from various diseases and abnormalities in living systems. Oxidative stress is a critical factor in aging, and it accelerates the aging process through different mechanisms. This study aims to explore the potential anti-aging effects of Dorema ammoniacum D.Don gum essence and Lonicera caprifolium L. plant extract in slowing down the aging process by using the antioxidant properties of these plants. Following preparation, the plants underwent analysis to identify their compounds. 42 male mice aged between 6-8 weeks and weighing 22-30 grams were divided into seven groups of six and treated by gavage for six weeks. The control group received sesame oil and DMSO 10%, which were the solvents, D-galactose (500 mg/kg/day), Vitamin E (200 mg/kg/day), and D-galactose with E. The other groups received D. ammoniacum gum essence (200 mg/kg/day) and L. caprifolium extract (200 mg/kg/day) and their combination. At the end of the treatment, the researchers measured the oxidative stress parameters such as malondialdehyde (MDA) level and glutathione content (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, as well as sex hormones levels including testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and pro-inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) in serum by ELISA. The use of D-galactose with a concentration of 500 mg/kg in 42 days induced aging. However, the group treated with D. ammoniacum gum essence alone or in combination with L. caprifolium extract showed a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation (P< 0.05) and a significant increase in catalase enzyme activity (P< 0.05). The group treated with the combination of these two plants also showed a significant increase in glutathione content (P<0.05). These plants are rich sources of antioxidant compounds and could potentially improve the aging process induced by D-galactose.