Can Caenorhabditis elegans Serve as a Reliable Model for Drug and Nutraceutical Discovery?

Abstract

Experimental research demands the selection of appropriate models to align with study objectives and conditions. Traditional experimental models, such as in vivo animal studies and in vitro systems like organoids, present nutraceutical and pharmaceutical research limitations such as high cost, ethical concerns, long lifespan, and difficult genetic manipulation. Caenorhabditis elegans has proved to be a valuable model as a result of its genetic and physiological similarities to higher organisms, fully sequenced genome, short life cycle, and transparency. These features enable high-throughput screening, molecular pathway analysis, and lifespan and healthspan assays. C. elegans has significantly advanced the discovery of bioactive molecules with therapeutic potential, shedding light on aging, neurodegeneration, metabolic disorders, and immune responses. Its utility in pharmacokinetics and validation of nutraceuticals underscores its role in longevity and metabolic health research. Additionally, its conserved stress response, apoptosis, and pathogen recognition pathways facilitate the study of pharmacological interventions for inflammation, oxidative stress, and infections. This study evaluates the applicability of C. elegans as a model for in vivo screening, analyses its role in drug efficacy testing, and discusses relevant advancements, associated difficulties, and what to expect of C. elegans in research.