Effects of bioactive extracts from four edible mushrooms on the lifespan of drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

The effects of bioactive extracts from Ganoderma lucidum, Lentinula edodes, Agaricus blazei and Auricularia auricula-judae on the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster were studied. The results showed that 5 mg/ml of L. edodes and A. blazei extracts extended the lifespan of male and female flies by 40.53 and 6.03%, and 32.13 and 2.69%, respectively. An extract from A. auricula extended the lifespan of male flies by 31.41% at 5 mg/ml and female flies by 16.85% at 20 mg/ml. While an extract from G. lucidum extended the lifespan of male flies by 42.32% at 80 mg/ml and female flies by 29.24% at 5 mg/ml. These results suggest that the extracts can prolong the lifespan of D. melanogaster in a dose-and sex-dependent manner. Extracts of G. lucidum, L. edodes, A. blazei, A. auricula may be potential anti-aging agents. © 2011 Mycological Society of China.