Ethanol Extract of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis Reduces Lifespan Shortening, Oxidative Stress, and Neurotoxicity in Transgenic Drosophila Parkinson's Disease Model

Abstract

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive death of dopaminergic neurons. Stachytarpheta jamaicensis, a medicinal plant, has been shown to possess neuroprotective effects. The medicinal plant has been traditionally used to treat various ailments, including neurological disorders. This study evaluated the effect of S. jamaicensis leaf extract on a transgenic Drosophila model of PD. Methods: Five groups of Drosophila melanogaster were treated with S. jamaicensis extract: wild control, wild + treatment, transgenic control, transgenic + low dose (50mg/kg), and transgenic + high dose (250mg/kg). Flies were cultured and treated for five days before behavioral, lifespan, and biochemical testing. Results: S. jamaicensis extract increased lifespan and locomotor activity in flies. Biochemical assays revealed reduced acetylcholine esterase activity, oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde and total oxidized protein), and increased catalase enzyme activity and total thiol levels, p< 0.05; p< 0.01; p< 0.005. Conclusion: S. jamaicensis leaf extract exhibited neuroprotective and antioxidant effects in the Drosophila melanogaster model of PD, potentially through modulation of oxidative stress pathways. These findings suggest that S. jamaicensis extract may be a potential therapeutic agent for PD treatment.