Moringa oleifera L. Leaf Fractions Improve Survival and Ameliorate Antiretroviral Drug-induced Toxicities in the Canton-S Drosophila melanogaster

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the mitigative role of Moringa oleifera leaf fractions against tenofovir/lamivudine/dolutegravir(TLD)-induced toxicities in the Canton-S Drosophila melanogaster. Study Design: This is an experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Africa Centre of Excellence in Phytomedicine Research and Development (ACEPRD), University of Jos, Nigeria, in July-September 2024. Methodology: Moringa oleifera L. leaf fractions were screened for their phytonutrient content. Young flies (<3 days old) were exposed to TLD (1 mg - 595 mg/10 g diet) to determine the median lethal concentration (LC50). Then, flies were exposed to M. oleifera fractions (20 mg /10 g diet) for a survival assay using 0.3% DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide, the vehicle). For fly emergence, climbing ability, and biochemical tests, flies were co-treated with both TLD (10 mg/10 g diet) and M. oleifera leaf fractions (20 mg/ 10 g diet) for 7 days. Subsequently, antioxidant markers, survival rate, climbing ability, and fecundity parameters associated with antiretroviral toxicity in flies were evaluated. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The results showed that M. oleifera leaf fractions contain antioxidant phytonutrients, including flavonoids and phenols, and increased survival, climbing ability, and reproductive capacity compared to control flies. It also improved antioxidative markers in flies, evidenced by increased total thiol levels and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity, along with a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Furthermore, M. oleifera leaf fractions mitigated TLD-induced climbing defects, reduced fly emergence, and alleviated both acetylcholinesterase activity deficits and increased malondialdehyde production (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated the protective potential of M. oleifera leaf fractions against TLD-induced oxidative stress in the Canton-S D. melanogaster through antioxidant mechanisms.