ASSESSMENT OF METHANOLIC STEM EXTRACT OF SCLEROCARYA BIRRAE’S ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL IN EXPERIMENTALLY INDUCED DIABETIC FRUIT FLIES

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a widespread metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and increased oxidative stress. Growing interest in safer antidiabetic therapies has led to the exploration of medicinal plants traditionally used for managing metabolic diseases. This study investigated the antioxidant and antihyperglycemic effects of Sclerocarya birrea (Loda) in Drosophila melanogaster experimentally induced with diabetes using a 30% high-sucrose diet. Wild-type flies were exposed to the high-sucrose diet for 14 days to induce hyperglycemia, followed by treatment with Sclerocarya birrea extract, Diospyros mespiliformis extract, or metformin for seven days. Biochemical and physiological parameters such as glucose, trehalose, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), locomotor activity, and body weight were assessed. The high-sucrose diet produced significant increases in glucose levels, oxidative stress, and body weight, alongside reduced locomotor activity, confirming successful induction of diabetic-like conditions. Treatment with Sclerocarya birrea extract significantly reduced glucose and trehalose levels, improved locomotor performance, restored body weight, enhanced antioxidant capacity, and lowered MDA concentrations. These effects were comparable to those observed with metformin. The findings demonstrate that Sclerocarya birrea possesses strong antidiabetic and antioxidant properties capable of ameliorating hyperglycemia and oxidative stress, supporting its traditional use and highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for diabetes management.