Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract Extends Lifespan and Ameliorate HAART Drug-Induced Locomotor, Reproductive, and Antioxidant Deficits in Drosophila melanogaster

Aim: To evaluate the longevity and ameliorative activities of Moringa oleifera leaf (MOL) extract against some HAART drug-induced toxicities in Drosophila melanogaster.

Materials and Methods: The research was conducted at the Drosophila laboratory, Africa Centre of Excellence in phytomedicine Research and Development (ACEPRD), University of Jos-Nigeria, between August 2019 - March 2020. D. melanogaster (1-3 day) were first exposed for life to different concentrations of MOL (50 – 500 mg) or 25 mM Ascorbic acid or 1000 µL distilled water to determine longevity. Secondly, flies were fed on 46.56 mg of HAART drugs (Efavirenz-based or Dolutegravir-based) alone or supplemented with MOL 250 mg or 500 mg per 10 g fly food in five replicates for seven days. Afterward, longevity, fecundity, and negative geotaxis were evaluated. Also, activities of Superoxide dismutase, Catalase, as well as Malondialdehyde content as biomarkers of oxidative stress were evaluated using whole fly homogenate. Statistical significance was taken at P<0.05 or (P<0.006) (Bonferroni adjusted P-value for multiple curve comparisons.

Results: The MOL extract significantly (P<0.001) increased fly longevity compared to control groups. Similarly, supplementation with 500 mg MOL extracts significantly (P<0.05) ameliorate HAART drug-induced deficits in climbing ability, fecundity, SOD, and CAT activities as well as MDA content compared to groups exposed to HAART drugs alone respectively.

Conclusion: The results suggest that M. oleifera leaf extract extends lifespan and ameliorate HAART drug-induced toxicities via its antioxidant activities. This was supported by improved locomotor and reproductive decline, and restoration of the deficits in the biomarkers of oxidative stress (SOD, CAT, and MDA) in D. melanogaster.