Effect of aqueous extract of Mondia whitei fruits on high sucrose-induced oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster

Background/Aim: High sugar intake plays an important role in oxidative stress, which has been linked to development of diseases like diabetes. In this study, the effect of aqueous extract of Mondia whitei (AEMW) fruits on high sucrose-induced oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster was investigated. Materials and Methods: Adult flies (1 – 3 days old) were exposed to graded doses of AEMW for 12 days to determine the safe dose. Based on this, new flies were grouped into 5 (n = 5; 40 flies per vial). Group 1 served as control and were fed with basal diet, and group 2 with basal diet containing 30% sucrose. Groups 3 and 4, in addition to diet containing 30 % sucrose, were exposed to 0.25 and 0.5 mg AEMW/g diet, respectively, and group 5 flies were exposed to diet containing 0.5 mg AEMW/g diet only. Treatment lasted for 7 days. Biochemical assays such as glucose level, markers of antioxidant and oxidative stress were carried out to assess the effect of high sucrose and/or AEMW on flies. Results: Doses of AEMW up to 0.5 mg/g diet was safe for the flies. High sucrose diet significantly (p < 0.05) increased the level of glucose and oxidative stress markers, and reduced the levels of antioxidant parameters when compared to the control. These changes were prevented by the doses of AEMW. Conclusion: It can be concluded that AEMW possesses anti-hyperglycemic and antioxidant properties, and could be suggested to act against oxidative stress induced by high sucrose in fruit flies.