Ethanol Extract of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis Reduces Lifespan Shortening, Oxidative Stress, and Neurotoxicity in Transgenic Drosophila Parkinson's Disease Model
Published: 2024-10-03
Page: 154-164
Issue: 2024 - Volume 7 [Issue 1]
Theresa E. Isamoh *
Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria.
Francis Peter Ikumosam
Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria.
John Afeez Olanrewaju
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Babcock University, Nigeria.
Emmanuel I. Odom
Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria.
Eru, Eru Mba
Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria.
Nsikak Michael Umoh
Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria.
Sadeyeng Ernest Anani
Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria.
Ibharale Felicity Onose
Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive death of dopaminergic neurons. Stachytarpheta jamaicensis, a medicinal plant, has been shown to possess neuroprotective effects. The medicinal plant has been traditionally used to treat various ailments, including neurological disorders. This study evaluated the effect of S. jamaicensis leaf extract on a transgenic Drosophila model of PD.
Methods: Five groups of Drosophila melanogaster were treated with S. jamaicensis extract: wild control, wild + treatment, transgenic control, transgenic + low dose (50mg/kg), and transgenic + high dose (250mg/kg). Flies were cultured and treated for five days before behavioral, lifespan, and biochemical testing.
Results: S. jamaicensis extract increased lifespan and locomotor activity in flies. Biochemical assays revealed reduced acetylcholine esterase activity, oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde and total oxidized protein), and increased catalase enzyme activity and total thiol levels, p< 0.05; p< 0.01; p< 0.005.
Conclusion: S. jamaicensis leaf extract exhibited neuroprotective and antioxidant effects in the Drosophila melanogaster model of PD, potentially through modulation of oxidative stress pathways. These findings suggest that S. jamaicensis extract may be a potential therapeutic agent for PD treatment.
Keywords: Parkinson's disease, Stachytarpheta jamaicensis, Neuroprotection, antioxidant, oxidative stress, Drosophila melanogaster, Transgenic model, Neurodegenerative disorder