Effect of Garcinia kola Seed Pepsin-Derived Protein Hydrolysate on Sucrose-Induced Oxidative Stress in Drosophila melanogaster

Protein hydrolysates are natural dietary products that promote human health, and have several bio-medicinal properties. High sucrose consumption is linked to the pathogenesis of many diseases, including diabetes. This study investigated the effect of pepsin enzymatic hydrolysate of Garcinia kola seed protein (HGK) on high sucrose-induced oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster. Fruit flies were exposed to basal diet containing 30% sucrose (group 2) and fortified with 10 and 20 mg HGK/kg diet for 7 days (groups 3 and 4), while group 1 and 5 served as control fed with basal diet and 20 mg HGK/kg diet only, respectively. Levels of antioxidant and oxidative stress markers as well as glucose level were investigated in the flies’ homogenate. Results showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the levels of glucose and oxidative stress markers (nitric oxide and malondialdehyde), and reduction in the concentrations of antioxidant parameters (catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and total thiol) in high sucrose fed diet when compared with control. However, doses of HGK significantly (p < 0.05) reversed these changes. It can, therefore, be concluded that HGK possesses antioxidant and anti-hyperglycemic properties, which can be suggested as a potential remedy for complications of oxidative stress, including hyperglycemia, based on this preliminary investigation.