Anti-aging effects of active medicinal-food homologous complex nutrients in zebrafish

Abstract

Background: Aging is a complex biological process characterized by progressive cellular and molecular deterioration, including oxidative stress accumulation, telomere attrition, and cellular senescence. Active medicinal–food homologous complex nutrients (AMCN) are bioactive compounds derived from natural sources with potential anti-aging effects, but their mechanisms remain poorly understood.

Objective: To investigate the anti-aging effects of AMCN and their underlying molecular mechanisms using a zebrafish aging model.

Methods: Zebrafish were subjected to an aging model and treated with varying concentrations of AMCN. Aging biomarkers were assessed, including β-galactosidase activity, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), telomerase protein concentration, and telomere length.

Results: AMCN treatment significantly decreased β-galactosidase staining intensity as well as ROS levels in a dose-dependent manner. Telomerase protein concentration was elevated, and telomere length was partially restored, particularly at moderate and higher AMCN concentrations.

Novelty of Study: This study demonstrates, for the first time in a whole-organism vertebrate model, that active medicinal–food homologous complex nutrients (AMCN) exert coordinated, multi-target anti-aging effects in a zebrafish model by reducing oxidative stress, attenuating cellular senescence, and preserving telomere integrity. By establishing a functional association between redox regulation and telomere maintenance, this study provides mechanistic evidence supporting the role of AMCN in modulating key processes involved in aging. The use of zebrafish as a translational vertebrate model enables in vivo evaluation of these effects and enhances the physiological relevance of AMCN, supporting their application in the development of nutraceuticals and functional foods aimed at mitigating age-related decline and maintaining physiological homeostasis. These findings highlight AMCN as a promising multi-component dietary intervention targeting interconnected hallmarks of aging.

Conclusions: AMCN exerts protective effects against aging-related cellular dysfunction by reducing oxidative stress, suppressing senescence, and maintaining telomere stability. These results provide scientific support for the potential use of AMCN as a functional dietary intervention to promote healthy aging and prevent age-related functional decline.

Keywords: Active medicinal–food homologous complex nutrients, functional food, zebrafish model, anti-aging, reactive oxygen species, telomerase, telomere, oxidative stress , cellular senescence