Chrysin, a glycolytic inhibitor, modulates redox homeostasis during aging via a potent calorie restriction mimetic effect in male wistar rats.

Abstract

Chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone), a natural flavonoid present in honey, propolis, and various medicinal plants, has shown promise as a calorie restriction mimetic (CRM) through its glycolysis-inhibiting action. This inhibition promotes a metabolic shift toward oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid oxidation, potentially activating beneficial pathways like AMPK and SIRT1. The mechanism likely involves the downregulation of Hexokinase-2, leading to suppressed glycolysis and promotion of apoptosis. In this study, we assessed aging biomarkers in erythrocytes, plasma, and serum after administering chrysin (100 mg/kg, orally) and D-galactose (300 mg/kg, subcutaneously) for four weeks to Wistar rats. In the D-galactose-induced aging rat model, the markers of oxidative damage, such as protein carbonyls, malondialdehyde, and advanced oxidation protein products, were found to be elevated. However, chrysin treatment significantly upregulated antioxidant defenses, including catalase, superoxide dismutase, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and glutathione (GSH). Administration of chrysin to aged rats led to a decline in both inflammatory biomarkers and insulin concentrations. These findings suggest that chrysin can alleviate oxidative stress, reduce lipid peroxidation, and influence inflammation and metabolism, highlighting its potential as an anti-aging therapeutic agent. This study underscores the potential of chrysin as a natural calorie restriction mimetic, mainly by maintaining redox balance by impacting longevity pathways and metabolic health.