Yuhua Yang, Li Fan, Jingyi Yu, Jinxian Liu, Bo Zhang, Erni Sofia Murtini, Nurul Huda, Thuan-Chew Tan
As the second most consumed beverage globally, tea possesses a range of health benefits. This study sought to explore the anti-aging effects of white tea ( Camellia sinensis ) aqueous extract (WTAE) through in vivo experiments conducted on fruit flies ( Drosophila melanogaster ) subjected to a high-sugar diet. The findings indicated that WTAE significantly ( P < 0.05) increased the median, mean, and maximum lifespans of the flies under high-sugar diets. At a concentration of 3.0 mg/mL, WTAE resulted in a 32% increase in the mean lifespan of female flies, while a 29% increase in male flies, compared to the high-sugar group (HSG). Furthermore, the maximum lifespan was extended by 32% in females and 22% in males, suggesting WTAE's lifespan-prolonging effect in these fruit flies. WTAE supplementation alongside the high-sugar diet significantly ( P < 0.05) improved locomotor performance and oxidative stress resistance in both male and female flies. Simultaneously, WTAE supplementation significantly ( P < 0.05) reduced MDA concentrations in the flies while concurrently increasing the enzyme activities of T-SOD and CAT. As a potential dietary agent with anti-aging properties, WTAE exhibits potential for application in functional food and nutraceutical development. © 2026 The Authors.
College of Tea and Food Science / Fujian Key Laboratory of Big Data Application and Intellectualization for Tea Industry, Wuyi University, Wuyishan, 354300, China; Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya, East Java, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Postgraduate School, Universitas Brawijaya, East Java, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Food Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, Penang, 11800, Malaysia; Renewable Biomass Transformation Cluster, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, Penang, 11800, Malaysia
