Anti-Aging Activity of Rosa roxburghii Nano-Emulsion in Caenorhabditis elegans: Preparation, Characterization, and Evaluation

The triterpenoids in Rosa roxburghii fruit (RRF) show various pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti-ageing, and anti-atherosclerotic. However, the therapeutic potential of these triterpenoids is limited by poor aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, and rapid systemic clearance, which can hinder their oral effectiveness. The objective of this study was to prepare an RRF nano-emulsion (RRFNE), which is conducive to enhancing the bioactivity of RRF following oral administration. The polydispersity index of RRFNE was 0.18, diameter 43.95 nm, zeta potential 36.37 mV, and triterpenoids loading 25.02 mg/g. Compared to RRF-100, the longest lifespan of RRFNE-100 was extended by 8.58%. The activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase in RRFNE-100 increased by 11.33%, 16.19%, and 5.37% (p < 0.01), respectively, and malondialdehyde levels decreased by 8.98%. Additionally, RRFNE enhances the antioxidant capacity of C. elegans by activating the expression of SIR-2.1, DAF-16, and SOD-3, thus extending the nematodes' lifespan without affecting their reproductive ability.