Coconut milk ameliorates motor and non-motor deficits in the alpha-synuclein transgenic Drosophila melanogaster model for Parkinsonism

Abstract

Context: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multisystem neurodegenerative disorder associated with oxidative stress and disrupted mitochondrial function. It is characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms due to multi-factors. Coconut (Cocos nucifera) milk contains a complex mixture of highly nutritional constituents such as carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals which have remarkable health benefits. Lauric acid (LA) which makes up to 54.5% of total nutrient composition of coconut milk (CM) possesses strong antioxidant properties. Objectives: This study evaluated the effect of CM on PD-associated motor and non-motor deficits in alpha-synuclein (α-syn) transgenic Drosophila melanogaster (D. melanogaster). Methods: W1118 strain (control) and α-syn transgenic (PD strain) of D. melanogaster aged between 1 to 3 days were randomized into various groups. The control flies were fed on untreated diets, while the PD flies were orally exposed to varied concentrations (0, 5, 10 and 15% v/v) of coconut milk diet for 14 days. Subsequently, longevity, behavioral, fecundity and biochemical analyses were conducted across the groups. Results: The results showed that CM significantly increased longevity, climbing ability, egg count and the rate of emergence (P< 0.05). In addition, MDA and NO levels as well as AChE activity were significantly decreased, while GSH level alongside SOD and CAT activities were increased (P< 0.05) in the CM-treated PD flies in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusions: CM ameliorated PD-associated deficits in D. melanogaster by prolonging lifespan, improving locomotor function, fecundity and redox status.