Effect of Bitter Kola Seed Supplemented Diet on Ageing, Cholinesterase Activities and Redox Status in Drosophila melanogaster Model

Abstract

This research evaluated the effect of bitter kola (Garcinia kola) seed on ageing and ageing-related biochemical modulations such 
as critical neural enzyme activities and oxidative stress markers in Drosophila melanogaster. Experimental flies were fed diet 
supplemented with Bitter kola (BK) throughout their life span. Treated flies were also homogenised 10-days post-treatment and 
assayed for the activities of cholinesterase and catalase, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and thiobarbituric acid reactive 
substances (TBARS) contents. An LC/MS/MS phenolic analysis, as well as reducing property of BK seed was also determined. 
Results showed that flies raised on diet supplemented with BK seed exhibited significantly improved lifespan, locomotor 
performance and amelioration of impaired biochemical markers of ageing when compared with control. BK seed also modulated 
activities of cholinesterase. The LC/MS/MS analysis revealed abundance of Garcinia bioflavonoids. Therefore, BK seed could 
be considered a potential functional food candidate for reducing ageing and ageing-related biochemical impairments.