The effect of Bacopa monnieri leaf extract on dietary supplementation in transgenic Drosophila model of Parkinson's disease

IntroductionThe effect of Bacopa monnieri leaf extract was studied on transgenic Drosophila (Parkinson's disease) model flies which expressed normal human alpha synuclein (h-αS) in their neurons. A time dependent loss of dopaminergic neurons and the formation of intracellular aggregates of αS (Lewy bodies) has been reported in the PD model flies.MethodsB. monnieri leaf extract, prepared in acetone was subjected to GC-MS analysis. Diets with final concentrations of 0.25, 0.50 and 1.0 μl/ml were established and the flies were allowed to feed on for 24 days. The effect of the extracts was studied on the climbing ability, activity pattern, oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl content) and apoptosis in the brain of PD model flies.ResultsThe exposure of PD flies to 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 μl/ml showed a dose dependent significant delay in the loss of climbing ability as well as activity pattern, reduced the oxidative stress and apoptosis compared to untreated PD flies.ConclusionB. monnieri leaf extract improves behavioral abnormalities, reduces the oxidative stress and apoptosis in the brains of PD model flies.