Cytoprotective properties of Hemidesmus indicusagainst H2O2on Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species, including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), singlet oxygen, hydroxyl and superoxide radicals, have positive role in energy production in vivo systems, phagocytosis, intercellular signalling, and regulation of cell growth. At high concentrations, H2O2 acts as a toxin which has scavenging properties. Avariety ofdietary plantsincludinggrams,legumes,fruits,vegetables,tea,wine etc.are rich inantioxidants and scavenge the free radicals and reduces the oxidative stress. Hemidesmus indicus (H. indicus) being one of the indigenous plant known for its antioxidant and scavenging properties. Drosophila melanogaster is an excellent model organism to evaluate lethal concentration and the effect of different chemical or bioactive substances due to its short generation time and lifespan. The present study deals with control of H2O2 production by H.indicus using drosophila as model organisms. Drosophila species were treated with different concentrations of H2O2 and H. indicus. The present study reveals that prolonged exposure to H2O2 at higher concentration causes toxicity which in turn affects the hatching and life cycle of drosophila. The study reveals that the supplementation of H. indicus increases the resistance ability against oxidative stress generated by hydrogen peroxide. It acts a cyoprotective molecule thereby significantly reducing the levels of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and superoxide dismutase generated by hydrogen peroxide in drosophila. Also, it helps to maintain the GSH levels in drosophila both larval and adult forms by restoring the glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase levels. Thus, H. indicus is one of accessible source of antioxidant in pharmaceutical industries.