RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Jaboticaba (Myrciaria trunciflora) belongs to the family Myrtaceae and is a fruit native to the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. The aim of this study was evaluate the activity of the extract of jaboticaba against different stresses in Caenorhabditis elegans. METHODS: Initially, the toxicological profile of the extract was analyzed, evaluating survival, reproduction, and longevity. After the tests of resistance to oxidative stress, thermal and against ultraviolet radiation were carried out. In order to discover a signaling pathway involved in this process the DAF-16 pathway was analyzed. RESULTS: It was found that the extract has no toxicity and is still able to prolong longevity in concentrations of 50 and 100â µg of GAE/mL. It was able to protect against damage from the juglone, temperature and UV radiation. This effect is mediated by the activation of the translocation of the DAF-16 factor to the cell nucleus and subsequent activation of defense pathways. CONCLUSIONS: Together, it is possible to verify that the extract of jaboticaba is important for the protection of the damages to which were daily exposed, in order to decrease the free radicals and consequently the damages that lead to aging and/or the appearance of diseases.