Ameliorative role of diets fortified with Artocarpus altilis in a Drosophila melanogaster model of aluminum chloride-induced neurotoxicity

Artocarpus altilis (breadfruit) belongs to the family Moraceae. Artocarpus altilis possesses antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative properties. Aluminum (Al) is extensively utilized for consumer products, cooking utensils, pharmaceuticals, and industries. Indication for the neurotoxicity of Al is investigated in various studies, notwithstanding the precise mechanisms of Al toxicity are yet to be fully elucidated, and, which requires novel therapy. In this study, we determined the ameliorative role of Artocarpus altilis on aluminum chloride-induced neurotoxicity in Drosophila melanogaster.

Varying concentration of the extract were used to formulate diets for 6 groups of flies. Group 1 contained basal diet, group 2 contained basal diet and aluminium chloride (AlCl₃), group 3 contained basal diet + 0.1% unseeded breadfruit (UBF), group 4 contained basal diet + 1% unseeded breadfruit, group 5 and 6 contained basal diet + AlCl3 + 0.1% and 1% unseeded breadfruit. Assays such as acetylcholinesterase activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration level, catalase activity, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were carried out after 7 days of exposure respectively.

The results showed low activity of acetylcholinesterase activity and MDA level and high catalase and SOD activity in the pretreated and post-treated flies with Artocarpus altilis compared to the normal and negative control respectively.

Taken together, Artocarpus altilis is a promising prophylactic, antiacetylcholinesterase, and antioxidant plant in the prevention, management and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.