In vivo Anti-aging effects of Brown Algae Extract (Sargassum polycystum) on Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women accelerates the aging process, leading to skin thinning, dryness, and wrinkle formation. Cosmetic product usage is increasingly common in Indonesia, yet their prolonged application may cause adverse effects like skin cancer. Alternative treatments include hormone replacement therapy (HRT), though it poses risks such as heart disease and breast cancer. Phytoestrogens offer an alternative solution to maintain body homeostasis with the fewest side effects. Using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as models, the study looks into how Sargassum polycystum extracts might help slow down the aging process. Zebrafish exhibit an aging process akin to humans, making them suitable for studying anti-aging mechanisms. The study measures Sirt-1 levels via enzyme-linked immunosorbent Acute toxicity tests revealed moderate toxicity with an LD50 value of 1.236 μg/ml. Higher doses of S. polycystum extract showed significant increases in Sirt-1 levels, indicating improved anti-aging activities. ELISA kits were used to see what effect different amounts of S. polycystum extract had on zebrafish embryos. Higher Sirt-1 expression is linked to better cell protection against inflammation and oxidative stress.