Modulatory Effects of Methanol Extract of Spondias mombin leaves on Arsenic-Induced Neurotoxicity in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Arsenic, a common environmental toxicant causes neurotoxicity via oxidative stress, impaired antioxidant defenses, and lipid peroxidation. Spondias mombin, a tropical plant with abundant bioactive phytochemicals, shows antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective potential, though its role against arsenic neurotoxicity is underexplored. This study evaluated the modulatory effects of the methanolic extract of Spondias mombin on arsenic-induced neurotoxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. Adult flies were divided into four groups (control, Spondias mombin only, arsenic only, arsenic + Spondias mombin), each with five vials of 50 flies. The control group received a standard diet; the Spondias mombin group received 300 mg/kg of the extract; the arsenic group received 10 mg/kg of arsenic; and the combined group received both treatments. Post-exposure, oxidative stress and neurotoxicity markers, total protein, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated. Arsenic significantly lowered total protein, CAT, and GST while elevating AChE and MDA, confirming oxidative damage and neurotoxicity. Spondias mombin co-treatment reversed these changes, restoring protein and antioxidant enzymes and reducing AChE and MDA levels. Improved biochemical profiles in the combined group indicate the extract's protective role against arsenic-induced neurotoxicity through modulation of oxidative stress markers. These findings affirm the neuroprotective potential of Spondias mombin in Drosophila melanogaster, supporting its role in mitigating arsenic-induced neurotoxicity.