Evaluation of Neuroprotective effect of medicinal plants in Drosophila melanogaster model

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of ethanolic extract of Bombax ceiba (EEBC) and ethanolic extract of Gymnemasylvestre (EEGS) against the toxicity induced by rotenone (ROT) in Drosophila melanogaster. Materials and Methods:Adult wild-type flies were concomitantly exposed to ROT (500 μM), EEBC (0.05% w/v and 0.1% w/v) and EEGS (0.05% w/v and 0.1% w/v) in the culture medium for 7 days. Results: ROT treated flies produced marked decreased in locomotor performance (i.e., climbing capability) in the negative geotaxis assay when compared to control group. EEBC and EEGS flies after treatment offered protection (24-42%) against the ROT-induced locomotor impairment in the negative geotaxis assay suggesting attenuation of ROT-induced locomotor deficits. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that EEBC and EEGS were effective in reducing the toxicity induced by ROT in D. melanogaster as well as it confirms the significance of this model to explore possible therapeutic approaches in Parkinson’s disease (PD).