Efficacy of manjistha and ginger powder in extending the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Ageing is a condition of deterioration of the physiological functions necessary for the survival and fertility over time. Amongst the various factors that accelerate the ageing process, reactive oxygen species produced during normal metabolism is one of the major contributors. In this study, we have evaluated the effect of manjistha and ginger on the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster. It was found that feeding manjistha and ginger can extend the lifespan of flies significantly, unlike those fed on control media. Further, we demonstrated that manjistha was effective against paraquat-induced oxidative stress. Upon paraquat treatment, mortality rate of 12% and 8% was observed in male and female flies respectively that were reared on manjistha supplemented media whereas mortality of 100% and 92% were observed in male and female flies, respectively when reared on control media. The present study suggests potential benefits on the longevity of the flies by the dietary supplementation with ginger and manjistha, especially in the oxidative stress condition. These findings should be further examined to identify active components present in these plant products that show its manifestation on the well-being of the fly.