EVALUATION OF METHANOLIC STEM EXTRACT OF Diospyros mespiliformis (KAIWA) ON LIPID PEROXIDATION AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF DIABETIC FRUIT FLIES

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is strongly associated with oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and impairment of antioxidant defense mechanisms. This study evaluated the effect of Diospyros mespiliformis stem bark extract on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant activity in Drosophila melanogaster subjected to a high-sugar diet (HSD) to induce diabetes-like metabolic dysfunction. Fruit flies were divided into control, HSD, metformin-treated, and extract treated groups. Hyperglycemia, body weight, locomotor performance, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were assessed to determine metabolic and oxidative outcomes. The HSD regimen produced significant increases in glucose concentration and body weight, along with impaired locomotor function, confirming successful induction of a diabetic phenotype. Antioxidant imbalance was evident through reduced SOD activity and elevated MDA levels, indicating enhanced lipid peroxidation. Treatment with D. mespiliformis extract significantly lowered glucose levels, reduced body weight, and improved climbing ability relative to untreated diabetic flies. The extract restored SOD activity, elevated TAC, and markedly decreased MDA levels to values comparable to the control and metformin groups, demonstrating potent antioxidant and anti-lipid peroxidative effects. The findings show that D. mespiliformis effectively attenuates hyperglycemia, mitigates oxidative stress, and protects against lipid peroxidation in diabetic Drosophila models. The study supports its potential as a natural therapeutic candidate for managing oxidative complications associated with diabetes and highlights its relevance for future pharmacological and translational research