Pennisetum purpureum extracts and fractions enhanced antioxidant defense mechanism in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Oxidative stress markers are significantly elevated and also correlate with disease complications in aging, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, among other disorders. The study is aimed at determining the antioxidant effect of the extracts and fractions of, Pennisetum purpureum (Napier grass) against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster. The LC₅₀ was determined to establish a safe and effective dose range for pharmacological evaluation. The extracts and fractions of P. purpureum were evaluated by the induction of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in D. melanogaster subjected to 7 days treatment regimen, after which the activity of some oxidative stress markers, namely, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured in treated and untreated groups. All experimental data were expressed as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM), using GraphPad Prism version 8.0.2 (263), data was considered statistically significant at P ≤ 0.05. The result revealed that plant extracts and fractions protect against oxidative stress markers and also enhance the antioxidant capacity in D. melanogaster. The observed upregulation of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, GSH, and SOD) in the treatment groups suggests that P. purpureum extracts enhance the fly's endogenous antioxidant defence system. In conclusion, the study underscores the potential of P. purpureum extracts in enhancing antioxidant defence and reducing oxidative stress markers in D. melanogaster. The upregulation of key antioxidant enzymes and the concomitant reduction in antioxidant stress markers highlight the therapeutic prospects of P. purpureum as a natural antioxidant source.

Keywords: Oxidative stress, Pennisetum purpureum, antioxidant enzymes, hydrogen peroxide, Drosophila melanogaster, stress markers.