DISCOVERY OF ANTI-AGING AND ANTI-DIABETIC COMPOUNDS FROM MORUS ALBA AND PSYCHOTRIA LAXIFLORA

Abstract

This thesis consists of two parts. Part I is focused on discovery of novel anti-aging compounds from medical plants yeast chronological aging model. Three compounds were identified as novel anti-aging compounds. The structure activity relationship of anti-aging compounds were also studied (Chapter 3). The anti-aging mechanisms were studied using single gene mutants and possible signaling pathways were proposed (Chapter 4). Computational approaches were used to mimic binding modes of anti-aging compound with target protein (Chapter 5). To have comprehensive understanding of the protein expression changes under treatment of anti-aging compounds, we did proteome analysis (Chapter 6). Part II is focused on the discovery of starch hydrolysis inhibitors from medical plants. One of the plants, psychotria laxiflora, shown high starch hydrolase inhibition. After characterization, we identified the main compounds in action (Chapter 9). We then incorporated the extract into noodles to evaluate the starch hydrolysis inhibition activity (Chapter 10).