Abstract

LEAVES OF CUCURBITA MAXIMA DUCH EX LAM MITIGATES NEUROTOXIN PARAQUAT INDUCED PARKINSON’S DISEASE MODEL IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

*Dr. K. Periyanayagam, K. G. Balasubramaniam, Gokila. S and Dr. R. Parameswari

Abstract

Objective: To prescreen the in vivo neuroprotective activity of the aqueous extract of the leaves of Cucurbita maxima family Cucurbitaceae commonly called as Pumpkin, using the model organism paraquat(PQ) toxicity induced Drosophila melanogaster. Method: We assessed potential interference in altered genetic background ie thein vivo neuroprotective effect of the aqueous extract of the of C.maxima leaves(AECM) on Drosophila exposed to neurotoxin paraquat which recapitulate Parkinson‟s symptoms with degeneration of dopaminergic neurons accompanying neurological symptoms including resting tremors and postural instability. Prolongation of survival and effect on PQ induced mobility defects were evaluated. Acute toxicity assessment, total flavonoid, phenolic content determination and DL-Methionine content by HPTLC were also performed. Results: Toxicity assessment using brine shrimp lethality bioassay(BSLA)of the AECM showed nontoxic uptoLC501330ppm. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, protein and amino acid, tannin, saponin, carbohydrates, and absence of cyanogenetic glycosides, anthroquinone glycosides, cardiac glycosides, fixed, volatile oils and mucilage.Total phenolic content was 18.2μg/g (as gallic acid), flavonoid content was 21.6μg/g( as quercetin).The AECM of the leaves of C.maxima possesses potential in vivoneuro protective activity on Drosophila melanogaster against paraquat induced Parkinson‟s disease by prolongation of survival and restoration of mobility. Conclusion: C.maximahas long been recognized and economically is of appreciable importance as a source of edible aggregate fruit. This study indicates that the aqueous extract of the leaves of C.maxima possesses potentialin vivoneuro protective activity on Drosophila melanogasteragainst paraquat induced parkinson‟ disease. It is assumed that this may be due to polyphenolic content, DL-Methionine. Further investigation requires confirming this activity.

Keywords: Cucurbita maxima, Neuro protective activity, Drosophila melanogaster, DL- Methionine, Paraquat induced neurotoxicity, Parkinson’s disease.