A naturally occurring polyacetylene isolated from carrots promotes health and delays signatures of aging

To ameliorate or prevent signatures of aging, the authors identify a previously undescribed polyacetylene from carrot roots (Daucus carota), named isofalcarintriol (IFT), that promotes longevity in C. elegans. They assign its absolute configuration as (3S,8R,9R,E)-heptadeca-10-en-4,6-diyne-3,8,9-triol and develop a modular asymmetric synthesis for all E-isofalcarintriol stereoisomers. Isofalcarintriol modulates cellular respiration in mammalian cells, C. elegans, and mice by interacting with the α-subunit of mitochondrial ATP synthase, promoting mitochondrial biogenesis. Phenotypically, IFT decreases mammalian cancer cell growth; in C. elegans it improves motility, stress resistance, and reduces protein aggregation in neurodegeneration models. In mice, supplementation improves glucose metabolism, increases exercise endurance, and attenuates frailty parameters. IFT emerges as a mitohormesis-inducing compound with potential to delay or prevent aging-associated diseases in humans.

Carolin Thomas, Reto Erni, Jia Yee Wu, Fabian Fischer, Greta Lamers, Giovanna Grigolon, Sarah J. Mitchell, Kim Zarse, Erick M. Carreira, Michael Ristow