The present study aimed to investigate the anti-aging effect of black rice anthocyanin (BRA) on Drosophila melanogaster and its underlying mechanism. Two-day-old wild Drosophila melanogaster were fed with different concentrations of BRA (0,1, 5mg/mL). Longevity test, gustatory assay and climbing assay were carried out to detect the effects of BRA on the life span and health span of fruit flies. The effects of BRA on intestinal integrity of Drosophila melanogaster were analyzed by Smurf assay. The mRNA expression of antioxidant-related genes, namely SOD, CAT and Rpn11, were measured by real time-PCR. BRA prolonged the life span and health span of fruit flies compared with those in control group, which also had a protective effect on intestinal integrity of fruit flies. The mRNA expression level of antioxidant-related genes were significantly increased (Cu/Zn-SOD, P<0.01; Mn-SOD, CAT and Rpn11, P<0.05).The anti-aging and antioxidant effects of BRA might be achieved by up-regulating endogenous antioxidant genes.