Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide delays age-related decline and preserves muscle integrity in Caenorhabditis elegans by modulating the daf-2/IIS pathway

Aging is characterized by a progressive decline in muscle strength and mass, posing a significant threat to global quality of life in the absence of effective therapeutic interventions. The edible herb Polygonatum sibiricum and its polysaccharide (PSP) have been shown to delay aging in animal models, although the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the anti-aging effects of PSP in Caenorhabditis elegans ( C. elegans ). Our results demonstrate that PSP reduces oxidative stress, stabilizes mitochondrial function, and preserves sarcomere integrity during aging. Notably, the beneficial effects of PSP were abolished upon silencing of daf-2 , confirming their dependence on the insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) pathway. Furthermore, daf-2 silencing eliminated any additional protective effects of PSP, indicating that this pathway is essential for its activity. These findings underscore the potential of PSP-based nutraceuticals in delaying sarcopenia and extending human healthspan.