DISRUPTION OF CELLULAR REDOX EQUILIBRIUM IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER EXPOSED TO AN EDIBLE CLAY FROM SOUTHERN NIGERIA

Geophagia, the consumption of clay, is a culturally embedded practice in many regions, including Nigeria, where it is particularly prevalent among pregnant women. Although often linked to nutritional, cultural, or therapeutic beliefs, concerns persist regarding the safety of geophagic materials due to potential toxicological risks. This study investigated the biological effects of Ubiajasourced geophagic clay using Drosophila melanogaster, a widely recognized model organism in toxicology. Adult flies were exposed to dietary concentrations of 0.025 g/mL, 0.05 g/mL, and 0.1 g/mL for seven days, after which wholebody homogenates were analyzed for biochemical markers of oxidative stress. Results demonstrated concentration-dependent alterations in antioxidant defense systems, with increased enzymatic activity reflecting physiological attempts to counteract the accumulation of reactive species. Elevated lipid peroxidation products were observed at higher clay concentrations, indicating cellular membrane damage. Although some parameters showed no significant variation relative to control, the overall pattern suggests that geophagic clay may disrupt redox homeostasis. These findings highlight potential biochemical risks associated with clay ingestion and underscore the importance of further molecular investigations to clarify mechanisms of toxicity. Such evidence is critical for informing public health guidance on geophagia, particularly in vulnerable populations. It emphasizes the need for continued research into the safety of naturally occurring substances consumed for cultural or therapeutic purposes.