Antioxidant Activity, Phytochemical Composition of Extracts of Peperomia Pellucida and its Effect on Drosophila Melanogaster

Abstract

Background/Aim: The therapeutic influence of medicinal plants is predominantly based on the several secondary metabolites inherent in them. Peperomia pellucida, a plant with great importance in traditional medicine, have been considered as an excellent remedy for numerous diseases. In this study, the antioxidant properties and phytochemical quantification of extracts of Peperomia pellucida whole plant was carried out, and a 21-day survival and longevity study to evaluate the toxic effect. Materials and Methods: Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening, as well as in vitro antioxidant potential was done using 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, 2,2’ aminio-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6 sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). For the in vivo study, Drosophila melanogaster (Fruit flies) was expose to AEPP (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/g diet) for 21 days. Thereafter, flies were homogenized, and parameters such as reduced glutathione, glutathione-s-transferase (GST), catalase, nitric oxide, locomotive ability, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and glucose assays were carried out. Results: The DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, and FRAP were found to be 87.29 ± 0.03 % ellagic acid, 65.47 ± 0.04 µg/g, and 32.17 ± 0.02 mg/100g, respectively. The phytochemical screening
indicated the presence of phenols (80.75 mg/100g), saponins (61.21mg/100g), alkaloids (41.63 mg/100g), and flavonoids (28.19mg/100g), among others. The plant extract at different doses showed no significant difference on the survival rate, reduced glutathione, GST, nitric oxide, and glucose levels, as well as acetylcholinesterase activity and climbing ability. However, a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the catalase activity was noted at 1 and 2 mg AEPP/g diet, although, other parameters did not show any sign of toxicity. Further toxicological studies should be conducted to ascertain this. Conclusions: This study could therefore, be concluded that AEPP is not toxic, most especially at lower doses, and could therefore be considered for therapeutic applications.