The health effects of green coffee oil in Caenorhabditis elegans
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Prarthna Rana
CoPIs:
Jacqueline Valverde-Buri, Andrea Gallagher , Keyla Cuenca
College:
The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics, and Technology
Major:
Biology
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Renalison Farias Pereira
Abstract:
Green coffee oil (GCO) is a triglyceride mixture derived from green coffee beans used in the cosmetics industry as an antioxidant. GCO contains fatty acids (e.g. linoleic and palmitic acid) and other minor components, such as diterpenes (e.g. cafestol and kahweol), polyphenols and phenolic acids. Due to its composition, there are potential new usages of GCO for human health and wellness, as the antioxidant nature of GCO may support cell functions by reducing oxidative stress. The reduction of oxidative stress may provide valuable insights into the potential health effects in humans, including anti-aging, improved cellular function, and reduced risk of age-related disease. Caenorhabditis elegans is a nematode (roundworm) used as a biological model due to its short life cycle, short lifespan, and molecular similarities with humans. The transparent C. elegans body and its small size make it easier to observe their morphology and identify different life cycle stages. The goal is to evaluate the health effects of GCO on growth, oxidative stress resistance, and lifespan of C. elegans. Worms were treated with 0.1% and 0.5% GCO, and 0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide as the vehicle control. After 48 hours of incubation, the growth rate assay was performed by observing the stages and size of C. elegans under the microscope. The effects of GCO in growth is helpful to determine its beneficial doses in C. elegans. Next, we will study the effects of GCO on oxidative stress resistance and lifespan assay. This research will give us insights on the benefits of GCO as a potential dietary supplement or food for humans. Further experiments using GCO in C.elegans may be used to evaluate the molecular pathways against oxidative stress and aging.