Effect of Methanolic Extract of Caryota no on Antioxidant Levels in Drosophila melanogaster

Aims: To investigate the anti-oxidant activity of the methanolic extracts of Caryota no seeds in Drosophila melanogaster (DM).

Study Design: Experimental design.

Place and Duration: Sample: African Centre of Excellence for Phytomedicine Research and Development, University of Jos, Jos Plateau State Nigeria between June 2018 and February 2019.

Methodology: These assays were conducted by exposing 50 flies per vial to the selected concentrations (350 mg, 400 mg and 500 mg) of the extract in 5 independent replicates for seven days while control group received distilled water. The total protein content was then determined from the supernatant of the fly homogenate. The antioxidant activity and levels of GST, CAT and total thiol were then measured. The statistical difference among test groups was presumed at P < .05.

Results: The methanolic extract of Caryota no caused nonsignificant (P = .33) decrease in total proteins in DM below basal levels in a dose-dependent pattern. The antioxidant activity showed nonsignificant (P = .28) lowering of the GST activity in DM below control levels. The methanolic extract of CN nonsignificantly (P > .05) increased the levels of catalase (P = .36) and total thiol levels (P = .22).

Conclusion: It can therefore be concluded that the methanolic extract of Caryota no contains appreciable concentrations of different types of antioxidants. This may provide perspectives for the evaluation and development of effective and safe phytomedicines created from the local biodiversity.