Abstract

This study investigated the effects of Trichosanthes root extract on the regeneration rate of Dugesia tigrina, a freshwater planarian. Planarians were chosen for their regenerative ability and stem cell systems. Traditionally used in Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, Trichosanthes root was tested for its unexplored regenerative potential. The goal was to evaluate a cost-effective, biologically based method for enhancing tissue regeneration with potential applications in regenerative medicine and wound healing. Planarians were continuously exposed to varying concentrations of the extract, with locomotor activity recorded before and after treatments. Specimens were then transversely amputated into head and tail fragments, which were observed independently. Regenerative outcomes, including body length, eyespot formation, and indicators of nervous system recovery, were measured at regular intervals. Results demonstrated that in trial 1, group D slightly decreased in head length regeneration compared to our control group A. Although group A had the smallest amount of head regeneration over the course of 11 days, there was no significant difference found between the groups in trial 1. Similarly, group C had the least regenerative ability overall over 11 days, but there was still no statistical difference found between the groups. Ultimately, Trichosanthes root was not significantly effective in the regeneration, locomotor activity, and behavior of Dugesia Tirgrina. These findings suggest that even as planarians remain valuable assets in testing biological compounds, Tricosanthes root may not have benefited tissue regeneration as hypothesized.

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effects of GlyNAC on planaria tissue regeneration and behavioral changes. There has been a focus on anti-aging in the older population due to the adverse effects that come with it such as muscle fatigue, a decrease in tissue regeneration, etc. As a result, there was an increase in research on finding an effective supplement to combat health issues and aging. GlyNAC, a combination of Glycine and N-acetylcysteine, has been shown to reverse and improve health by increasing glutathione levels. Glutathione is an antioxidant with multiple health benefits such as protecting against oxidative stress, a main factor in causing cell death. This experiment was conducted using planarians because they have a similar central nervous system, tissue regeneration, and glutathione production to humans. There were 1 control group and 3 experimental groups. The control group was fed regular ground beef while the experimental group was fed ground beef with GlyNAC. For tissue regeneration, each group would be measured and observed before and after the ground beef or GlyNAC-mixed ground beef. The planarians’ motility was recorded for 20 minutes with grid paper underneath their petri dishes. The results indicate that GlyNAC treated groups had increased regeneration and movement. With this support, our hypothesis of GlyNAC increases the regeneration and movement in planarians. Future Research can be done by having bigger experimental groups for more accurate data. Introduction GlyNAC There has been an interest in anti-aging in the modern day due to one’s fear of aging and the many symptoms that come with it, such as muscle fatigue, inflammation, a decrease in tissue