Identifying the Bioactive Compounds in Phyllanthus amarus Aqueous Extract and its Toxicological Evaluation Using Drosophila melanogaster

Medicinal plants play a crucial role in drug development, and their inherent bioactive constituents are used in producing novel medications. Phyllanthus amarus Schum. and Thonn. has been known for its therapeutic potential. However, the safety of the Phyllanthus amarus needs to be guaranteed. This study identified bioactive compounds in Phyllanthus amarus plant and investigated its toxic effect on Drosophila melanogaster. The bioactive compounds were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Toxicological evaluation of Phyllanthus amarus aqueous extract (PAAQE) was performed using Drosophila melanogaster. Flies were grouped into 5 (n = 5) and were fed 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 mg PAAQE/g diet for 21 days. Flies’ homogenate was used for biochemical assays, including antioxidant parameters (total thiol, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione-s-transferase (GST)) and catalase), nitric oxide, glucose, and acetylcholinesterase. Phytochemicals present in PAAQE, as identified by HPLC, include quercetin, baicalin, curcumin, tannic acid, myricetin, and caffeic acid, which are the most abundant, among others. The PAAQE showed no significant difference in the levels and activities of these parameters, except a significant reduction, which was noted in the levels of total thiol, reduced GSH and catalase activity at 1 and 2 mg PAAQE/g diet when compared to the control. This suggests that caution should be taken in the use of higher doses of PAAQE. Due to the presence of vital bioactive compounds and the potential safety (at doses lower than 1 mg/g diet), PAAQE can be considered a treatment option for oxidative stress-related diseases.