Ilex paraguariensis extracts extend the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster fed a high-fat diet

Abstract Studies have suggested that total energy intake and diet composition affect lifespan and ageing. A high-fat diet induces oxidativestress and affects the development of diseases. In contrast, antioxidants are capable of reducing its harmful effects. Yerba matebeverages are an important source of antioxidants, but there is sca rce knowledge about their effects on suppressing fat accumulation.Here, we investigated the compounds present in yerba mate extracts and assessed their effects on Drosophila melanogaster givena high cholesterol diet. LS-ESI-MS analysis showed the presence of matesaponins, phenolic compounds and methylxanthines in allof the examined extracts. In Drosophila, under extract treatment conditions, the mean lifespan was signi ficantly extended from 38 to43 days, there was an increase in the ability to support induced stress and decrease in lipid peroxidation products. Moreover, yerbamate extracts recovered the glutathione S-transferases (GST) activity and reduced the cholesterol level. Taken together, our resultssupport that extracts can extend lifespan by reducing the detrimental effect of a high-fat diet in D. melanogaster, and this outcome canbe associated with the compound content in the extracts. This study improves the understanding of natural interventions that reducestress-induced oxidative damage, which is fundamental in promoting healthy ageing.Key words: Yerba mate; Matesaponin; LC-MS; Antioxidants compounds; Chronic diseases; Oxidative stress