Biflavonoid-rich extract of Garcinia kola seed and ascorbic acid are protective against lead-induced oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster

Authors

  • S.A. Aderibigbe
  • A.M. Adegoke
  • O.V. Ogungbesan
  • J.C. Ngoka
  • A.O. Abolaji

Keywords:

Garcinia kola seeds, ascorbic acid, lead toxicities, oxidative stress, Drosophila melanogaster, Biflavonoid-rich extract

Abstract

Exposure to toxic metals such as lead causes oxidative damage affecting human health. Sources of exposure could be contaminated water, leaded gasoline, etc. Using Drosophila melanogaster, we examined the individual and combined effects of ethyl acetate seed extract (EASE) from Garcinia kola and ascorbic acid (AsA) in ameliorating lead acetate-induced oxidative damage. Garcinia kola (seeds) was identified and processed to obtain ethyl acetate seed extract (EASE). For the survival study, one to three-day-old flies were exposed to different concentrations of EASE and AsA for 14 days. 150 mg/kg EASE and AsA were selected, while 250 µM of lead acetate (Pb) was used. For the main study, flies were grouped into eight with 50 flies per vial for 5 vials each per group and were treated for 7 days. The flies were thereafter anesthetized and processed to obtain supernatant solutions used to determine oxidative stress, neurological and inflammatory biomarkers. The EASE, AsA, and their combination significantly restored lead-induced oxidative stress, and altered neurological and inflammatory biomarkers. This study suggests the therapeutic potential of the combination of EASE and AsA against lead-acetate-induced toxicity, as there was a reversal of elevated oxidative stress, neurological and inflammatory perturbations.

Published

2025-01-29

Issue

Section

Nutrition/Natural Product and Drug Development