Antidiabetic Effects of the Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Parinari curatellifolia on Sucrose-Induced Type II Diabetes in Drosophila melanogaster Model

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a pervasive global health challenge, necessitating the exploration of alternative therapies from traditional medicinal plants. Parinari curatellifolia, utilized in African folk medicine, has demonstrated preliminary antidiabetic potential. This study investigated the antidiabetic and antioxidant properties of the ethanolic leaf extract of P. curatellifolia in a sucrose-induced type II diabetes model in Drosophila melanogaster. After a 7-day induction with a high-sucrose diet (2.5 g/10 g diet), diabetic flies were treated with the extract (10, 100, or 200 mg/10 g diet) or metformin (10 mg/10 g diet) for 7 days. The extract significantly reduced circulating glucose levels (up to 45%, p < 0.001), enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities (glutathione S-transferase and catalase by up to 60% and 55%, respectively, p < 0.01), and improved locomotor performance by 70% (p < 0.01) compared to the diabetic control. A preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids. No significant toxicity was observed at the tested doses. The ethanolic leaf extract of P. curatellifolia exhibits notable antidiabetic and antioxidant properties in D. melanogaster, suggesting its potential for further investigation as a therapeutic candidate for type II diabetes.