Anshen Bunao syrup as a potential anti-aging agent: mechanistic insights and pharmacological evidence

Background: Syrup (ABS) is a commonly used traditional Chinese patent medicine for insomnia and amnesia, and also has the potential to anti-aging but lacks scientific support of pharmacological and mechanism research. This study aims to investigate the anti-aging effect of ABS and its underlying mechanism. Methods: Chemical constituents of ABS were analyzed by LC/MS. ABS effects were assessed on d-galactose induced aging rat model through open field tests, histopathological examinations, senescence-associated secretory phenotypes and biochemical assay. Integrated analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes and metabolites and to elucidate the potential mechanism. Results: 159 chemical constituents in ABS were profiled and structurally presumed. ABS can significantly alleviate skin aging, neural damage and other aging related symptoms, and as well can reduce the expression of senescence-associated secretory phenotypes. Integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics revealed that ABS treatment modulates the expression levels of CYP2J10, CBR3, and LPAR3, and restores sphingolipid and arachidonic acid metabolism. ELISA results indicated that ABS reduces pro-inflammatory factor levels and relieve oxidative stress. Conclusion: ABS exerts anti-aging effects by regulating sphingolipid and arachidonic acid metabolism, thereby inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress. This study is expected to provide research foundation for the development of ABS as a new anti-aging drug.