Protective effects of Satureja hortensis on DNA damage and reproduction performance in lead-exposed Drosophila melanogaster

Lead is considered one of the most dangerous heavy metals for human health and can be found in the environment, as well as in food and products. Satureja hortensis, commonly known as savory, is a plant used to treat various diseases in folk medicine. This study aims to determine the effects of the ethanol extract of S. hortensis on reproductive performance and DNA damage in lead-exposed Drosophila melanogaster. The plant's ethanol extract was obtained using the maceration method. After applying the extract and lead to D. melanogaster experimental groups for 15 days, their reproductive performance (adult female and fly formation, as well as pupal counts) and DNA damage levels were investigated using the Comet assay. The results showed that lead reduced reproductive performance and pupal development in D. melanogaster and caused DNA damage. However, when S. hortensis extract was applied together with lead, reproductive performance and pupal development in D. melanogaster increased quantitatively, while DNA damage decreased. In conclusion, S. hortensis exhibited a protective effect in lead-exposed D. melanogaster and can play an antigenotoxic role against lead and other metal.