Authors : Saliya. S. Bawani; D. Usha Anandhi

Volume/Issue : Volume 6 - 2021, Issue 4 - April

Google Scholar : http://bitly.ws/9nMw

Scribd : https://bit.ly/3g2kmaF

Abstract : Bioactive compounds in plants, referred to as secondary metabolites, can impact the physiological and cellular activities of living organisms. A systematic screening of plant species to discover new bioactive compounds is essential for any bioprospecting study. Parkinson's disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra par compacta and alpha synuclein aggregation within the brain. Drosophila has been intensely used as a genetic model system, for its ease in laboratory maintenance and genetic manipulation. Due to the advantages of Drosophila model system, it is used to asses lifespan expansion, behaviour studies and neuroprotective activities of plant extracts to counteract PD symptoms. The present study intended to identify the bioactive constituents present within the ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa and evaluate its neuroprotective effects on Drosophila expressing normal human alpha synuclein (h-αS) in the dopaminergic neurons. As the age progresses, these flies exhibit short lifespan and locomotor dysfunction. Results of this study exhibit the dose-dependent delay in PD flies and an increase in their lifespan. Gas chromatography- Mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis Nigella sativa seed extract confirmed the presence of 51biologically active phytocompounds in the above extract. The present study demonstrates the potency of Nigella sativa seed extract in delaying the PD symptoms in PD model flies. Further studies are required to isolate the bioactive compounds and review the precise mechanism of action in various diseases.