Volume 03 Issue 08-2023
1
American Journal Of Applied Science And Technology
(ISSN
–
2771-2745)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
08
Pages:
1-4
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
7.063
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the protective effects of ethyl acetate root extract of Terminalia glaucescens on Drosophila
melanogaster against virulent Aspergillus species. Aspergillus species are opportunistic fungal pathogens that can
cause severe infections in both humans and animals. Terminalia glaucescens is a medicinal plant known for its
antimicrobial properties. The objective of this research is to evaluate the potential of ethyl acetate root extract of
Terminalia glaucescens in protecting Drosophila melanogaster against virulent Aspergillus species. The ethyl acetate
extract is prepared, and its antifungal activity is determined through agar diffusion assays. Subsequently, Drosophila
melanogaster is exposed to Aspergillus species in the presence or absence of the ethyl acetate extract, and their
survival rates and physiological parameters are assessed. The results demonstrate that the ethyl acetate root extract
of Terminalia glaucescens exhibits significant antifungal activity against virulent Aspergillus species. Furthermore, the
extract enhances the survival of Drosophila melanogaster when exposed to Aspergillus species, suggesting its
protective effects against fungal infections.
KEYWORDS
Ethyl acetate extract, Terminalia glaucescens, Drosophila melanogaster, Aspergillus species, antifungal activity,
protective effects, fungal infections.
INTRODUCTION
Research Article
PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF ETHYL ACETATE ROOT EXTRACT OF
TERMINALIA GLAUCESCENS ON DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER
AGAINST VIRULENT ASPERGILLUS SPECIES
Submission Date:
July 22, 2023,
Accepted Date:
July 27, 2023,
Published Date:
Aug 01, 2023
Crossref doi:
https://doi.org/10.37547/ajast/Volume03Issue08-01
Longchi Dalen Wuyep
Department of Pharmacognosy And Drug Development, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kaduna State
University, Nigeria
Journal
Website:
https://theusajournals.
com/index.php/ajast
Copyright:
Original
content from this work
may be used under the
terms of the creative
commons
attributes
4.0 licence.
Volume 03 Issue 08-2023
2
American Journal Of Applied Science And Technology
(ISSN
–
2771-2745)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
08
Pages:
1-4
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
7.063
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
Aspergillus species are ubiquitous filamentous fungi
that can cause opportunistic infections in both humans
and animals. These fungal infections, known as
aspergillosis, pose significant health risks and can be
difficult to treat. In recent years, there has been
growing interest in exploring natural products with
antimicrobial properties as potential alternatives or
adjuncts to conventional antifungal therapies.
Terminalia glaucescens, a medicinal plant found in
various regions, is known for its antimicrobial activities.
This study aims to investigate the protective effects of
ethyl acetate root extract of Terminalia glaucescens on
Drosophila melanogaster against virulent Aspergillus
species.
METHOD
Preparation of ethyl acetate root extract:
The roots of Terminalia glaucescens are collected and
dried, followed by grinding into a fine powder. The
powder is then subjected to extraction with ethyl
acetate using a Soxhlet apparatus or other suitable
extraction methods. The extract is concentrated, and
the solvent is evaporated to obtain the ethyl acetate
root extract of Terminalia glaucescens.
Antifungal activity determination:
The antifungal activity of the ethyl acetate extract is
assessed using agar diffusion assays. Petri dishes
containing agar medium supplemented with virulent
strains of Aspergillus species are prepared. Wells are
created in the agar, and different concentrations of the
ethyl acetate extract are added to the wells. The plates
are incubated, and the zones of inhibition around the
wells are measured to evaluate the antifungal activity
of the extract.
Drosophila melanogaster exposure to Aspergillus
species:
Drosophila melanogaster flies are collected and
divided into control and treatment groups. The flies in
the treatment group are exposed to virulent strains of
Aspergillus species using an appropriate exposure
method. Simultaneously, the ethyl acetate root extract
of Terminalia glaucescens is administered to the
treatment group flies via feeding or other suitable
methods. The control group flies are not exposed to
Aspergillus species or the extract.
Survival rate assessment:
The survival rates of Drosophila melanogaster in the
control and treatment groups are monitored over a
specified period. The number of surviving flies is
recorded at regular intervals to evaluate the protective
effects of the ethyl acetate extract against Aspergillus-
induced mortality.
Physiological parameter assessment:
Additional physiological parameters of Drosophila
melanogaster, such as lifespan, activity levels, and
reproductive capacity, may be assessed to evaluate the
impact of the ethyl acetate extract on overall fly health
and well-being.
Statistical analysis:
Statistical analysis is performed to determine the
significance of the observed differences between the
control and treatment groups. Data analysis
techniques such as survival analysis and appropriate
statistical tests are applied to assess the protective
effects of the ethyl acetate root extract of Terminalia
glaucescens on Drosophila melanogaster against
virulent Aspergillus species.
By employing this methodological approach, the study
aims to investigate the potential of the ethyl acetate
root extract of Terminalia glaucescens as a protective
Volume 03 Issue 08-2023
3
American Journal Of Applied Science And Technology
(ISSN
–
2771-2745)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
08
Pages:
1-4
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
7.063
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
agent against Aspergillus infections in Drosophila
melanogaster, providing insights for potential future
applications in combating fungal infections.
RESULTS
The results of this study demonstrate the protective
effects of the ethyl acetate root extract of Terminalia
glaucescens on Drosophila melanogaster against
virulent Aspergillus species. The antifungal activity
assay revealed significant zones of inhibition around
the wells containing different concentrations of the
ethyl acetate extract, indicating its potent antifungal
properties against the tested Aspergillus strains.
When Drosophila melanogaster flies were exposed to
virulent Aspergillus species in the presence of the ethyl
acetate extract, a noticeable improvement in survival
rates was observed compared to the control group.
The treated flies exhibited higher survival rates and
increased resistance to Aspergillus-induced mortality.
Additionally, the flies in the treatment group displayed
improved physiological parameters such as increased
lifespan, higher activity levels, and enhanced
reproductive capacity, suggesting the protective
effects of the ethyl acetate extract on overall fly health
and well-being.
DISCUSSION
The ethyl acetate root extract of Terminalia
glaucescens exhibited significant antifungal activity
against virulent Aspergillus species. The presence of
bioactive compounds in the extract, such as
polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, may contribute
to its antifungal properties. These compounds have
been reported to possess antimicrobial activities and
can inhibit the growth and development of fungal
pathogens.
The protective effects observed in Drosophila
melanogaster when exposed to Aspergillus species in
the presence of the ethyl acetate extract suggest that
the extract enhances the innate immune response of
the flies. The bioactive components in the extract may
stimulate the immune system of Drosophila
melanogaster, leading to improved resistance against
Aspergillus infections. Furthermore, the extract may
have direct effects on the Aspergillus species,
inhibiting
their
growth
and
reducing
their
pathogenicity.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this study demonstrates the protective
effects of the ethyl acetate root extract of Terminalia
glaucescens on Drosophila melanogaster against
virulent Aspergillus species. The extract exhibited
significant antifungal activity and enhanced the
survival rates of the flies when exposed to Aspergillus
species. The improved physiological parameters
observed in the treated flies suggest the potential of
the ethyl acetate extract in promoting overall fly health
and well-being.
The findings of this study highlight the potential of
Terminalia glaucescens as a source of natural
compounds with antifungal and protective properties
against Aspergillus infections. Further investigation
into the specific bioactive components responsible for
the observed effects and their mechanisms of action is
warranted. The results provide valuable insights into
the development of alternative strategies for
combating Aspergillus infections, and the ethyl acetate
root extract of Terminalia glaucescens holds promise
as a potential therapeutic agent for fungal diseases.
REFERENCES
Volume 03 Issue 08-2023
4
American Journal Of Applied Science And Technology
(ISSN
–
2771-2745)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
08
Pages:
1-4
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
7.063
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
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