Assessment of the in vivo catalase enzyme activity and anti-obesity effects of the stem bark extract of Erythrina abyssinica on Drosophila melanogaster model of diet induced obesity
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Date
2021-05
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Kampala International University
Abstract
Background: Though physio-nutritional therapy has shown appreciable results in obesity management, the results are limited due to failure to adhere to a strict routine. In developing countries, alternative and complementary medicine has been promoted for the management of metabolic conditions but information its efficacy and mechanism of action is scarce. Erythrina abyssinica has anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and anti-microbial properties, however there is scanty information on its in vivo antioxidant activity and anti-obesity effects. The aim of this study was to quantify the antioxidant activity of the stem bark extract of Erythrina abyssinica, evaluate its in vivo catalase activity, and to determine its anti-obesity effects in obese male Drosophila melanogaster.
Methods: This was an experimental study in which male Drosophila melanogaster (W1118) were used. Obesity was induced by feeding male Drosophila melanogaster flies on 10% w/v coconut food for two weeks. A mixed solvent extract (20% ethanol and 80% water) of Erythrina abyssinica stem bark was prepared into concentrations of 25%, 50% and 75% v/v using standard protocols. Flies were divided into seven groups each containing 30 flies each. Group 1-3 were fed on the coconut food (HFD) mixed with 3 graded concentrations of fenofibrate. Groups 4-6 were fed on the coconut food mixed with graded concentrations of the extract, while group 7 was the control and was fed on coconut food only. The flies were fed on the respective diets for 30 days. In vitro antioxidant activity of Erythrina abyssinica stem bark was determined using the reducing power activity protocol. Catalase enzyme activity was measured in obese Drosophila melanogaster treated with fenofibrate and the extract. Anti-obesity effect was determined by measuring the triglyceride levels.
Results: The study showed that the reducing power activity of the extract was concentration dependent. Catalase levels increased in a dose dependent fashion in obese flies fed on the extract. Triglyceride levels were decreased in a concentration dependent fashion.
Conclusion: The study showed that the stem bark extract of Erythrina abyssinica modulates and increases in vivo catalase enzyme activity in the obese Drosophila melanogaster. It also showed that the extract has concentration dependent anti-obesity activity in obese Drosophila melanogaster.
Description
A dissertation submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Science in Biochemistry of Kampala International University