Abstract
Metal-induced toxicity in fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) is one of the established models for studying neurotoxicity and neurodegenerative diseases. Phytochemicals, especially alkaloids, have been reported to exhibit neuroprotection. Here, we assessed the protective effect of alkaloid extract from African Jointfir (Gnetum africanum) leaf on manganese- (Mn-) induced toxicity in wild type fruit fly. Flies were exposed to 10 mM Mn, the alkaloid extract and cotreatment of Mn plus extract, respectively. The survival rate and locomotor performance of the flies were assessed 5 days posttreatment, at which point the flies were homogenized and assayed for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, nitric oxide (NO), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Results showed that the extract significantly reverted Mn-induced reduction in the survival rate and locomotor performance of the flies. Furthermore, the extract counteracted the Mn-induced elevation in AChE activity, NO, and ROS levels. The alkaloid extract of the African Jointfir leaf may hence be a source of useful phytochemicals for the development of novel therapies for the management of neurodegeneration.
Highlights
Manganese (Mn) is essential for a wide array of biochemical processes in the body [1]
Neurodegenerative diseases are pathologies of multiple causative factors; examples include Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Studies reveal that these diseases are characterized by decline in neurotransmitters associated with the brain, such as acetylcholine and neuroactive amines, as well as oxidative stress caused by excessive levels of metal ions in the brain [3]
We assessed the mechanisms behind the protective ability of alkaloid extract of African Jointfir (AFJ) against manganese-induced neurotoxicity model in D. melanogaster
Summary
Manganese (Mn) is essential for a wide array of biochemical processes in the body [1]. Neurodegenerative diseases are pathologies of multiple causative factors; examples include Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) Studies reveal that these diseases are characterized by decline in neurotransmitters associated with the brain, such as acetylcholine and neuroactive amines, as well as oxidative stress caused by excessive levels of metal ions in the brain [3]. Green leafy vegetables form a major constituent of local diets and are the major sources of plant bioactive phytochemicals They are desired for their nutritional benefits and for their medicinal properties as reported in folklore. This study, evaluated some of the biochemical mechanisms behind the protective properties of alkaloid extract of AFJ against manganese-induced neurotoxicity model in D. melanogaster
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
