Pennisetum Purpureum (Elephant grass) Protects Against Hydrogen Peroxide Induced Reproductive Toxicity in Drosophila Melanogaster

Introduction: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are essential for sperm function and ovulation. However, excessive ROS could initiate cascades of reactions with macromolecules of the human gametes leading to compromised functionality and viability of sperm cells in males, as well as alteration in follinculogenesis and early stage embryonic development in females. The present study demonstrated the impact of the extracts and fractions of Pennisetum purpureum on Drosophila reproductive function under oxidative stress. Method: The reproductive ability of Drosophila was studied after exposing the flies to different concentrations of the plant’s extracts and fractions for 14 days. The cumulative number of larva, pupae and adult flies that emerged during this period of 14 days represents a measure of fecundity or reproductive ability. Results: The result obtained showed that there was a significant increase in the number of larva, pupae and emerged adults in all treatment groups when compared to the negative control (H202) this suggest an improvement in the reproductive ability of the fruit flies. Discussion/Conclusion: The extracts and fractions of the plant were able to exert a protective effect against the negative impact of the toxicant by significantly increasing the number of larvae, pupae and emerged adult flies. This may be due to the presence of alkaloids, steroids, phenols and flavonoids which could interact with the endocrine system of insects influencing the production and regulation of hormones involved in reproduction.