Protective role of Aframomum Melegueta against arsenic-induced oxidative and neurobehavioral toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster

Oyedayo Phillips Akano, Bayo Olufunsho Adeoye, Opeyemi Adebola Adetunji, Oladapo Oreoluwa Josephine, Toluwanimi Omolara Afolabi, Afees John Olanrewaju, Ayodeji Folorunsho Ajayi

Abstract


Purpose

This study investigated the protective effects of ethanol extract of Aframomum melegueta against arsenic-induced oxidative stress, biochemical alterations, and neurobehavioral dysfunctions in Drosophila melanogaster. The aim was to determine whether the extract could mitigate arsenic-mediated lipid peroxidation, antioxidant suppression, and locomotor impairment, while improving survival outcomes.

Methodology

Wild-type Drosophila melanogaster were divided into four groups: control, arsenic-treated, extract-treated, and combined treatment. Arsenic toxicity was induced using sodium arsenite, and the plant extract was administered through dietary inclusion. Biochemical assays (MDA, catalase, GST, thiol, protein levels), survival studies, negative geotaxis, and larval locomotion tests were performed. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test (p < 0.05).

Findings

Arsenic exposure significantly increased MDA and reduced catalase activity and thiol levels, indicating oxidative stress. Aframomum melegueta significantly reversed these alterations, reducing MDA and restoring catalase and thiol concentrations. GST activity increased significantly in the combined treatment. Behaviourally, arsenic impaired climbing ability and locomotor activity, while the extract improved locomotor distance and showed partial neuroprotection. Survival rates declined sharply in arsenic-treated groups but improved moderately with extract supplementation.

Research Implications/Limitations

The study demonstrates that Aframomum melegueta confers strong antioxidative and partial neuroprotective benefits in arsenic-induced toxicity. However, mechanistic pathways such as Nrf2 activation, gene expression profiling, and dose–response relationships were not investigated. Future molecular studies and validation in mammalian models are required to confirm translational potential.

Practical Implications

The findings suggest that Aframomum melegueta may serve as a natural therapeutic candidate for mitigating oxidative stress and neurobehavioral dysfunction caused by heavy metal exposure. Its antioxidant properties highlight its potential for incorporation into nutraceutical formulations. However, optimal dosing, long-term safety, and clinical applicability remain to be established.

 

Received 13 November 2025

Accepted 22 January 2026

Published 27 April 2026


Keywords


Aframomum melegueta, Antioxidants, Arsenic toxicity, Drosophila melanogaster, Lipid peroxidation, Oxidative stress, Survival assay

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References


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DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21622/AMPDR.2026.06.1.1791

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Copyright (c) 2026 Oyedayo Phillips Akano, Bayo Olufunsho Adeoye, Opeyemi Adebola Adetunji, Oladapo Oreoluwa Josephine, Toluwanimi Omolara Afolabi, Afees John Olanrewaju, Ayodeji Folorunsho Ajayi

Advances in Medical, Pharmaceutical and Dental Research

E-ISSN: 2812-4898

P-ISSN: 2812-488X

 

Published by:

Academy Publishing Center (APC)

Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT)

Alexandria, Egypt

ampdr@aast.edu