Screening of the Phytochemicals, Determination of Antioxidants, Inhibition of Acetylcholinesterase and Lipid Peroxidation by Spondias mombin in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

For ages, Spondias mombin (‘Iyeye’ in Yoruba) has been in use for medicinal purposes in the treatment of learning impairment even at the time when there was no scientific evidence to substantiate its significant functions. Drosophila melanogaster is a fruit fly with very rapid life cycle that is used in the laboratory to test for functional foods and nutraceuticals just like in animals as a way to extend beyond using humans screening. The aqueous extract of S. mombin was screened for phytochemical contents, antioxidant activities and in vivo assay of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and lipid peroxidation inhibition. The present study however reveals the presence of saponins, tannins, flavonoids and alkaloids. The quantitative values of aqueous extract of S. mombin exhibited 1.65 mg/100 g, 1.17 mg/100 g and 0.11 mg/100 g values of total phenol content, total flavonoid content and ferric reducing antioxidant property respectively. Iron (II) sulphate (FeSO4) and aluminium chloride (AlCl3) were used as proxidants in the induction of neurodegeneration in Drosophila melanogaster. However, the aqueous extract of S. mombin inhibited the activities of the lipid peroxidation and AChE in D. melanogaster. Interestingly, SOD concentration was also observably increased in D. melanogaster pretreated with S. mombin. These results implied that the aqueous extract of S. mombin can serve as an economic source of antioxidants that can be employed in the treatment and management of learning impairment conditions.