Effect of Alkaloid Extract from African Jointfir (Gnetum africanum) Leaves on Manganese‐Induced Toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster

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.

Natural bioactive products with antioxidant properties useful in neurodegenerative diseases

“…Apart from producing immune response, cell proliferation and differentiation, NO is also being reported as a proinflammatory mediator [33] . And according to the study, the alkaloid extract of African Jointfir is able to ameliorate the elevated level of NO which suggests its anti-inflammatory property [30] . So in this way, this extract can be an innovative candidate for the isolation purpose obtaining possibly a novel or known compound which is active in treating neurodegeneration.…”

“…Therefore, the moiety which can ameliorate such free radicals will be very beneficial in order to treat various neurodegeneration. And the alkaloid extract of African jointfir is found to be able to decrease such elevated free radicals and besides, it is also reported to inhibit the acetylcholine esterase enzyme in the in vitro study of fruitfly model [30] . It produces a conception to employ this extract to treat neurodegenerative disease such as AD and dementia because inhibiting acetylcholine esterase enzyme will lead to increase the life span of acetyl choline which is responsible for the cognitive ability, memory/learning, motor function and locomotion [31] .…”

Drosophila as an Animal Model for Testing Plant-Based Immunomodulators

“…In addition, the extract may reduce epithelial cell death and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, thereby improving intestinal morphology [ 53 ]. Using adult wild-type Drosophila , Oboh et al (2018) showed that Gnetum africanum extract inhibited Mn-induced elevation of NO and ROS levels [ 54 ]. To screen the protective effects of selected traditional plants on intestinal cells, Zhou et al (2016) utilized adult wild-type Drosophila fed with toxic compounds.…”

Manganese-induced neurodegenerative diseases and possible therapeutic approaches

“…The protective properties of an alkaloid extract from African Jointfir (Gnetum africanum) leaf against Mn toxicity was also tested in D. melanogaster as a model. The extract counteracted Mn-induced increase in acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) activity, nitric oxide (NO), and ROS levels [149].…”

“…Popular name: African jointfir Family: Gnetaceae Alkaloids [149] Reestablished acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity Reduced nitric oxide (NO), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels [149] Drosophila melanogaster Basella alba L.…”