Journal of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Volume 2, No. 1, 2024
Pages 32-43
DOI: 10.36108/jbmb/4202.20.0140
Assessing the Bioactivity of Bryophyllum pinnatum Leaves powder on Drosophila melanogaster: A Toxicological Study
* AGAKWU Monica Ukungakpe1, OGUNMEFUN Gbenga Samson2, YUSUF Hajara Oyiza3, ONMONYA Adaobi Yvonne4, ADUNBI John Olarewaju5
1 Environmental Biotechnology and Bioconservation Department, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, Umaru Musa Yar’adua Expressway, Lugbe, Abuja – Nigeria
2Technology and Innovation Support Centre under the DG/CEO, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, Umaru Musa Yar’adua Expressway, Lugbe, Abuja – Nigeria
3Bio entrepreneurship and Consultancy Services Department, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, Umaru Musa Yar’adua Expressway, Lugbe, Abuja – Nigeria
4Environmental Science Department, National Open University of Nigeria. University Village, Plot 91, Cadastral Zone, Nnamdi Azikiwe Express Way, Jabi – Abuja
5Bioresources Development Centre, Oka Akoko, Ondo state, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, Umaru Musa Yar’adua Expressway, Lugbe, Abuja – Nigeria
*Corresponding Author- Email:acinommails@yahoo.com Orcid No: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9378-6615
Abstract
Using Drosophila melanogaster as an experimental organism, this study examined the bioactivity and possible harmful consequences of Bryophyllum pinnatum leaves powder. In order to assess phenotypic differences among five filial generations (F1–F5), the leaves powder was added to culture media at different concentrations (1.0 g/g, 0.5 g/g, and 0.25 g/g). The leaves powder caused developmental abnormalities, such as apterous wings, small stature, and narrow abdomens as seen by phenotypic traits. Significant impacts of leaf powder concentration were shown by statistical studies, such as one-way ANOVA, on both the total number of flies (p = 0.004) and the total number of mutant flies (p = 0.048). These parameters, however, were not significantly impacted by the filial generation itself. The findings imply that B. pinnatum metabolites affect D. melanogaster phenotypic plasticity, possibly as a result of secondary plant chemicals that function as growth inhibitors or modulators of allelochemical plasticity. These results support the wider implications of B. pinnatum in pharmacological and toxicological applications by highlighting its capacity to modify insect physiology. The underlying molecular mechanisms and their possible use in the creation of drugs and biopesticides should be investigated in future studies.
Keywords: Bryophyllum pinnatum, Drosophila melanogaster, Filial generations Phenotypic characteristics, Plasticity
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