Neuroprotection and antioxidative effects of Sijunzi Tang Decoction in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract Introduction Knowledge about the pharmacological properties of traditional TCM formulas is scarce as is their impact on aging. This study evaluated the potential effects of Sijunzi Tang Decoction (SJZTD), Si-Wu-Tang Decoction (SWTD), and Liuwei Dihuang Decoction (LWDHD) against oxidative stress and glucotoxic stress-induced neuronal dysfunction and lifespan reduction. Methods Nematodes ( C. elegans ) were cultivated under 10 mmol/L paraquat or 400 mmol/L glucose to assess the protective effects of a systemic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment. Lifespan was determined by calculation of Kaplan-Meier survival curves, formation of reactive oxygen species was quantified by hyd…