Coffee mitigates cyclophosphamide-induced genotoxic damage in Drosophila melanogaster germ cells

In the present study, coffee (CF) was evaluated for its protective effects against genotoxic damage and oxidative stress induced by the chemotherapeutic drug, cyclophosphamide (CPH). The sex-linked recessive lethal (SLRL) test was employed to study the induction of mutations in the larvae as well as in all the successive germ cell stages of treated males. Control and treated third instar larvae were used to monitor the biomarkers of oxidative stress response such as glutathione content (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lipid peroxidation (MDA content). Our results demonstrated that co-administration of CF (2%) with CPH (3?mM) has significantly reduced CPH-induced lethal mutations in the germ cells of larvae and adult flies. The reductions observed in mutation frequencies were: 75% in larvae and 62.4% in the adult. Significant enhancement in antioxidant enzymatic levels: CAT (46.6%)?>?SOD (43.0%)?>?GST (42.4%)?>?GSH (31.6%) and reduction in MDA levels (32.05%) in the pretreated third instar larvae demonstrated the antioxidant activity of CF against CPH-induced oxidative stress. The findings from the present study suggest that the Drosophila model is an ideal one for evaluating the antigenotoxic and antioxidant activity of complex mixtures like CF.     

大蒜素对甲基磺酸甲酯和环磷酰胺诱发果蝇伴性隐性致死的影响

用果蝇伴性隐性致死试验进行大蒜素的抗诱变性研究。大蒜素与甲基磺酸甲酯(MMS)同时喂饲果蝇,未能抑制MMS诱导的伴性隐性致死效应。而在先给MMS 24h后再给大蒜素则有抑制效应。大蒜素与环磷酰胺(Cy)同时给药有一定的抑制作用。提示大蒜素有一定抗诱变作用。     

Protective effects of quercetin on ultraviolet A light-induced oxidative stress in the blood of rat

The oxidative effects of ultraviolet A (UVA) light (320-400 nm) and the antioxidant effects of quercetin were examined in rat blood. For this purpose, rats were divided into three groups: control, ultraviolet (UV) and ultraviolet + quercetin (UV + Q). The UV and UV + Q groups were irradiated for 4 h a day with UVA light (1.25 mW cm(2)) during periods of 3, 6 and 9 days. Quercetin (50 mg kg(-1) body wt.) was administered intraperitoneally in the UV + Q group rats before irradiation periods. Blood was taken 3, 6 and 9 days post-treatment. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels significantly increased after 9 days of daily exposure to UVA. Whole blood glutathione (GSH) levels significantly declined after 3-9 days of irradiation. Glutathione peroxidase activity on days 6 and 9 and glutathione reductase activities on days 3, 6 and 9 post-irradiation were diminished significantly. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities decreased significantly 3-9 days post-irradiation. The administration of quercetin before the 9-day period of irradiation significantly reduced the increase in plasma MDA value. Whole blood GSH levels significantly decreased with the administration of quercetin on all days. Quercetin significantly increased antioxidant enzymes diminished by UVA irradiation. Exposure of rats to UVA light leads to oxidative stress, reflected by increased MDA and reduced antioxidant enzyme levels. The administration of quercetin appears to be a useful approach to reduce the damage produced by UVA radiation.     

Acrolein-induced oxidative stress and genotoxicity in rats: protective effects of whey protein and conjugated linoleic acid

Acrolein (AC), a highly reactive hazardous pollutant, poses serious threats to human health. Whey protein (WP) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) have beneficial health implications. We investigated the protective effects of WP and CLA against AC-induced toxicity in rats. The animals were orally gavaged with CLA (200?mg/kg/day), WP (200?mg/kg/day), AC (5?mg/kg/day), CLA?+?AC (200?+?5?mg/kg/day), and WP?+?AC (200?+?5?mg/kg/day) six days per week for 30?days. The oral administration of AC significantly induced oxidative stress by increasing thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyls (PCOs) levels and decreasing glutathione (GSH) level in the spleen, thymus, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). It also increased the frequencies of micronucleus (MN) and megakaryocytic emperipolesis (ME) and decreased the ratio of polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs) in bone marrow. Slight alterations in urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels were not significant. Co-treatment with CLA?+?AC or WP?+?AC ameliorated the values of oxidative stress, MN, PCE, and ME. These data suggest that CLA and WP can improve the antioxidant defenses and preclude the formation of genetic damage and ME.     

Ameliorative effects of Bacopa monniera on lead-induced oxidative stress in different regions of rat brain

Abstract

Bacopa monniera is a rejuvenating herb for brain cells enhancing learning and cognitive ability. In the present investigation, the ameliorative effects of Bacopa monniera were examined against lead-induced oxidative stress in different regions of rat brain. Male rats were divided into five groups: control (1000?ppm sodium acetate) and exposed (1000?ppm lead acetate) for 4 weeks; DMSA (Meso-2,3-Dimercaptosuccinic acid)-treated (90?mg/kg body weight/day); Bacopa monniera-treated (BM) (10?mg/kg body weight/day) and a combination of BM?+?DMSA for seven consecutive days after 4 weeks of lead exposure. After treatment, the whole brain was isolated by sacrificing rats and four regions were separated namely cerebellum, hippocampus, frontal cortex and brain stem. Results indicated a significant (p?<?0.05) increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation products (LPP) and total protein carbonyl content (TPCC) in association with tissue metal content in all the four regions of brain for exposed group compared with their respective controls. However, the lead-induced ROS, LPP, TPCC and tissue metal content were lowered on treatment with Bacopa monniera, almost reaching the control group values in all the above brain regions compared to DMSA and a combination therapy. Results suggest that Bacopa monniera can mitigate the lead induced-oxidative stress tissue specifically by pharmacologic interventions which encompass both chelation as well as antioxidant functions.     

Quercetin protects human peripheral blood mononuclear cells from OTA‐induced oxidative stress,genotoxicity, and inflammation

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of the most abundant food‐contaminating mycotoxins world wide, and is detrimental to human and animal health. This study evaluated the protective effect of quercetin against OTA‐induced cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and inflammatory response in lymphocytes. Cytotoxicity determined by MTT assay revealed IC₂₀ value of OTA to be 20 µM, which was restored to near control values by pretreatment with quercetin. Oxidative stress parameters such as antioxidant enzymes, LPO and PCC levels indicated that quercetin exerted a protective effect on OTA‐induced oxidative stress. Quercetin exerted an antigenotoxic effect on OTA‐induced genotoxicity, by significantly reducing the number of structural aberrations in chromosomes and comet parameters like, % olive tail moment from 2.76 ± 0.02 to 0.56 ± 0.02 and % tail DNA from 56.23 ± 2.56 to 12.36 ± 0.56 as determined by comet assay. OTA‐induced NO, TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐8 were significantly reduced in the quercetin pretreated samples indicating its anti‐inflammatory role. Our results demonstrate for the first time that quercetin exerts a cytoprotective effect against OTA‐induced oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and inflammation in lymphocytes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 855–865, 2016.     

Effect of quercetin on lipopolysaccharide induced-sickness behavior and oxidative stress in rats

Objectives:

Gram-negative infections and control infusion of recombinant cytokines in human have been shown to induce sickness behavior characterized by fever, prolong sleep, decreased food and water intake, reduced mobility, depression, and anxiety. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of bioflavonoid quercetin in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sickness behavior.

Materials and Methods:

Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups (n=6). Three groups received vehicle and two doses of quercetin (2 and 25 mg/kg, i.p.) respectively for 2 weeks before being challenged with LPS (1 mg/kg, i.p). One group received vehicle for 2 weeks and was challenged with saline on day 15. The per se effect of quercetin (2 and 25 mg/kg, i.p.) was also seen after 2 weeks of dosing. LPS-induced sickness behavior in rats was quantified by measuring time in social exploration, anxiety, food and water consumption, and weight loss. Levels of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and oxidative stress in rat brain were also analyzed.

Results:

Quercetin (2 and 25 mg/kg) administration significantly (P<0.05) attenuated LPS-induced sickness behavior by modulating cytokines production as well inhibiting LPS-induced oxidative stress.

Conclusions:

Adequate intake of dietary flavonoids (like quercetin) may help promote recovery from sickness behavior.     

Beneficial effects of quercetin on oxidative stress in liver and kidney induced by titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles in rats

Abstract

TiO₂ nanoparticles used as vectors for the delivery of drugs have shown greater effectiveness. However, TiO₂ nanoparticles can cause oxidative stress in liver and kidney, so we analyzed if a previous or simultaneous quercetin treatment could counteract this in rats. Five groups of male Wistar rats (200–250?g) were included: (1) healthy controls, (2) TiO₂ group, (3) quercetin group, (4) preventive group: quercetin for 5 days prior to exposure of TiO₂, and (5) therapeutic group: TiO₂ (5?mg/kg, i.v.) plus quercetin single dose for 5 days (5?mg/kg/day, i.p.). Hepatic and renal function tests were made. Five animals from each group were sacrificed (0, 14 and 28 days), and liver and kidney tissue were obtained. Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced/oxidized glutathione, and activity of glutathione peroxidase/reductase were measured, as well as the level of gene expression by q-PCR. There were no significant changes in serum ALT and AST activities. More damage was observed at 14 versus 28 days, because TiO₂ was excreted in urine. Quercetin indeed showed a renal protective effect by increasing glutathione reductase and peroxidase levels and reducing MDA levels. On the other hand, TiO₂ liver damage was less pronounced with quercetin as therapeutic treatment. TiO₂ induces significantly the glutathione reductase expression and it can be down-regulated by quercetin. Biochemical tests in serum and urine showed a better effect of quercetin administered in the therapeutic group. Care should be taken with the dose and time of administration of quercetin, because this antioxidant could also have a pro-oxidant effect.     

Tetrabromobisphenol A induced oxidative stress and genotoxicity in fish Channa punctatus

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is the most widely used brominated flame retardant and its increased use in common products such as plastics, electronic equipment, etc., has raised concern about its ecotoxicity. The present study was conducted to investigate the oxidative stress and genotoxic potential of TBBPA on fresh water fish Channa punctatus by measuring malondialdehyde level and DNA damage, respectively. Fish were exposed to 5.09?mg/l (1/2 of LC₅₀) of TBBPA along with positive (acetone) and negative controls (water) for 96?h. The blood samples were collected at 24, 48, 72 and 96?h post exposure. The results of the study showed significantly increased oxidative stress and DNA damage in the exposed groups as compared to controls. The effect of duration is also found to be significant. The findings of the study would be helpful in risk assessment of TBBPA-induced oxidative stress and genotoxicity among aquatic organisms.     

Ameliorative effects of gallic acid on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Abstract

The major side effect of gentamicin (GEN) is nephrotoxicity which in turn restricts the clinical use of this drug. In this study, the effect of gallic acid (GA) on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity was studied. A total number of 28 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four experimental groups: control, GEN (100 mg/kg/day), GEN + GA (30 mg/kg/day), GA (30 mg/kg/day). All drug administrations were done intraperitoneally (i.p) for eight consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, blood samples were collected to determine serum creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN). The right kidney was used for histological examination. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO) levels and catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were assayed in left renal tissue. Results showed a significant increase in the levels of MDA, NO, Cr, and BUN and decrease of GSH, CAT, GPx, and SOD by GEN administration. Co-administration with GA showed reduction in the levels of MDA, NO, Cr, and BUN and increase in GSH, CAT, GPx, and SOD. Also, the nephroprotective effect of GA was confirmed by the histological examination of the kidneys. The results of our study showed that GA exerts a significant nephroprotective effect against GEN-induced nephrotoxicity.     

Hesperidin,a citrus bioflavonoid,alleviates trichloroethylene-induced oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a chlorinated organic pollutant of groundwater with diverse toxic effects in animals and humans. Here, we investigated the ameliorative role of hesperidin, a citrus bioflavonoid on TCE-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. Four groups of D. melanogaster (50 flies/vial, with 5 vials/group) were exposed to ethanol (2.5%, control), HSP (400 mg/10 g diet), TCE (10 μM/10 g diet) and TCE (10 μM/10 g diet) + HSP (400 mg/10 g diet) respectively in the diet for 5 days. Then, selected oxidative stress and antioxidant markers were evaluated. The results showed that TCE significantly increased the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibited catalase, glutathione S-transferase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities with concurrent depletion of total thiol level. However, co-administration of TCE and hesperidin mitigated TCE-induced depletion of antioxidants, and restored ROS level and AChE activity in the flies (p < 0.05). Overall, hesperidin offered protective potency on TCE-induced oxidative stress in the flies via anti-oxidative mechanism.     

Assessment of the mutagenic,recombinogenic, and carcinogenic potential of amphotericin B in somatic cells of Drosophila melanogaster

Amphotericin B (AmB) is an antifungal antibiotic extracted from Streptomyces nodosus. Its fungicidal activity depends primarily on its binding to the sterol group that is present in fungal membranes. In view of the toxicity of this drug, the purpose of this study was to evaluate its mutagenic, carcinogenic, and recombinogenic activity, based on the wing somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART) and the epithelial tumor detection test (wts) applied to Drosophila melanogaster. Larvae were chronically treated with different concentrations of AmB (0.01, 0.02, and 0.04?mg/mL). The results revealed that AmB is a promutagen exhibiting increase in the number of spots on individuals from high bioactivation (HB) cross with a high level of cytochrome P450. The results also indicate that the main genotoxic event induced by AmB is recombinogenicity. Homologous recombination can act as a determinant at different stages of carcinogenesis. For verification of carcinogenic potential of this compound, larvae from the wts/mwh and wts/ORR, flr³ were treated with the same three AmB concentrations used in the SMART assay. The results did not provide evidence that AmB has carcinogenic potential in wts/mwh individuals. However, individuals from wts/ORR, flr³ developed tumors at the highest concentration tested.     

RP-HPLC法测定蒙药森登-4汤中栀子苷、槲皮素和没食子酸的含量

目的建立测定蒙药森登-4汤中栀子苷、槲皮素和没食子酸的高效液相色谱方法。方法栀子苷的测定条件为:Hypersil C18 ODS(250.0 mm×4.6 mm,5μm)色谱柱,流动相为乙腈-水(体积比为13.5∶86.5),流速为0.8 mL.min-1,检测波长为238 nm。槲皮素的测定条件为:Century SIL C18 BDS(250.0 mm×4.6 mm,5μm)色谱柱,流动相为甲醇-水-磷酸(体积比为60.00∶40.00∶0.02),流速为0.8 mL.min-1,检测波长为360 nm;没食子酸的测定条件为:Century SIL C18 BDS(250.0 mm×4.6 mm,5μm)色谱柱,流动相为乙腈-水-磷酸(体积比为5.00∶95.00∶0.02),流速为0.80 mL.min-1,检测波长为272 nm。结果在各自的色谱条件下,栀子苷、槲皮素和没食子酸质量浓度与峰面积具有良好的线性关系。平均回收质量分数分别为:栀子苷96.9%(RSD=1.9%,n=6);槲皮素97.1%(RSD=2.3%,n=6);没食子酸98.7%(RSD=1.7%,n=6)。结论该方法可作为该制剂的含量测定方法。     

熊果酸对动脉粥样硬化大鼠氧化应激和炎性反应的影响

目的 研究熊果酸(UA)对动脉粥样硬化(AS)大鼠氧化应激和炎性反应的抑制作用,并探讨其机制.方法 采用高脂饲料喂养结合腹腔注射VD3的方法建立早期AS大鼠模型,并分别灌胃给予UA(10、20、40 mg· kg-1· d-1)和辛伐他汀(SV, 1.8 mg· kg-1· d-1)进行干预,作为干预组,另设模型组和健康对照组(喂食正常饲料并腹腔注射生理盐水).采用比色法测定血清中抗氧化酶[超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)]活性和丙二醛(MDA)、活性氧簇(ROS)含量;酶联免疫法(ELISA)测定血浆中炎性细胞因子[C反应蛋白(CRP)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、白细胞介素-10(IL-10)]含量;苏木精-尹红(HE)染色观察主动脉形态结构改变并进行病变分级.结果 UA(20、40 mg· kg -1· d-1)同步干预组大鼠血清中 SOD、CAT 活性较模型组显著升高[(318.3 ±29.4)、(12.3 ±2.4)U· mL-1vs(249.3 ±25.1)、(9.3 ±1.7)U· mL-1],MDA、ROS含量显著降低[(31.2 ±5.1)vs(49.6 ±7.0) mmol· L-1和(291.3 ±31.8)vs(402.9 ±35.7)U· mL-1],且UA 40 mg· kg -1· d-1干预组GSH-Px活性显著升高[(809.3 ± 58.4)vs(676.1 ±48.5)U· mL-1];UA(20、40 mg· kg-1· d-1)同步干预组大鼠血浆中CRP、TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6含量较模型组均显著降低,且UA 40 mg· kg-1· d-1干预组IL-10含量显著升高[(37.6 ±4.9)vs(23.9 ±3.2)ng· L-1];UA同步干预组大鼠主动脉形态结构改变较模型组明显改善、病变评分显著降低,其中以UA 40 mg· kg-1· d-1干预组效果最为显著.结论UA可能通过抑制氧化应激损伤和炎性反应而对AS大鼠起到一定保护作用.     

Silver nanoparticle‐induced oxidative stress,genotoxicity and apoptosis in cultured cells and animal tissues

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as an important class of nanomaterials for a wide range of industrial and medical applications. However, the unique properties of AgNPs could potentially lead to unexpected hazards to both human health and the well being of the environment. Possible mechanisms of AgNP‐induced toxicity include the stimulation of oxidative stress, genotoxicity and apoptosis. In this study, a number of previous studies are therefore summarized that demonstrate oxidative stress‐, genotoxicity‐ and apoptosis‐related changes brought about by AgNPs in cultured cells and animal tissues. The physicochemical properties of AgNPs that are involved in encouraging such changes are also discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Curcumin attenuates quinocetone-induced oxidative stress and genotoxicity in human hepatocyte L02 cells

Abstract

Quinocetone (QCT), a new quinoxaline 1,4-dioxides, has been used as antimicrobial feed additive in China. Potential genotoxicity of QCT was concerned as a public health problem. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of curcumin on QCT-induced oxidative stress and genotoxicity in human hepatocyte L02 cells. Cell viability and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), biomarkers of oxidative stress including superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione (GSH) level were measured. Meanwhile, comet assay and micronucleus assay were carried out to evaluate genotoxicity. The results showed that, compared to the control group, QCT at the concentration ranges of 2–16?μg/mL significantly decreased L02 cell viability, which was significantly attenuated with curcumin pretreatment (2.5 and 5?μM). In addition, QCT significantly increased cell oxidative stress, characterized by increases of intracellular ROS level, while decreased endogenous antioxidant biomarkers GSH level and SOD activity (all p?<?0.05 or 0.01). Curcumin pretreatment significantly attenuated ROS formation, inhibited the decreases of SOD activity and GSH level. Furthermore, curcumin significantly reduced QCT-induced DNA fragments and micronuclei formation. These data suggest that curcumin could attenuate QCT-induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in L02 cells, which may be attributed to ROS scavenging and anti-oxidative ability of curcumin. Importantly, consumption of curcumin may be a plausible way to prevent quinoxaline 1,4-dioxides-mediated oxidative stress and genotoxicity in human or animals.     

Aluminum oxide nanoparticles mediated toxicity,loss of appendages in progeny of Drosophila melanogaster on chronic exposure

Abstract

Aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) nanoparticles (NPs) have a wide number of applications which cause intentional and unintentional exposure to humans, making it important to understand the nano-bio interaction. In this study, we made an attempt to evaluate the toxic effects of Al₂O₃ NPs chronic exposure on Drosophila melanogaster. Flies were exposed to Al₂O₃ NPs at concentration 0.1 and 1?mM via ingestion throughout their lifespan and progeny flies were screened for behavioral and phenotypic abnormalities. Behavioral abnormalities in flies were recorded through larval crawling, climbing in flies and two taste testing. Chronic exposure of Al₂O₃ NPs resulted in the loss of appendages in flies resulting in five legs flies, four legs flies and absence of haltere. Exposure to Al₂O₃ NPs caused renal failure in flies as observed by swollen abdomen. Our observations clearly showed that these NPs could cause detrimental health ailments which relate to human birth deformities and kidney failure. Damage at the cellular level was studied through proteomic profiling. Three hundred and seven unique proteins were expressed on exposure to Al₂O₃ NPs and 51 proteins were differentially expressed. Enrichment analysis of differentially expressed proteins showed significant alteration in striated muscle cell differentiation, digestive tract morphogenesis, phototransduction, regulation of chromatin organization and DNA duplex unwinding.     

Modulatory effects of quercetin on liver histopathological,biochemical, hematological,oxidative stress and DNA alterations in rats exposed to graded doses of score 250

This study investigated the morphological, biochemical and molecular aspects of liver injury in rats after the exposure to difenoconazole and the protective effects of quercetin against hepatotoxicity and genotoxicity induced by this fungicide. Rats were given graded doses of difenoconazole associated or not to quercetin daily for 20 days. Our results showed a significant increase in PLT (platelets) and WBC (white blood cells) in rats treated with higher doses of difenoconazole (1/38 and 1/9 of LD50). However, a significant decrease in Hb (hemoglobin) rate and RBC (red blood cells) number in rats treated with higher doses of difenoconazole (1/38 and 1/9 of LD50) was obtained. Besides, difenoconazole treatment caused an increase in hepatic enzyme activities of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Difenoconazole increased the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and vitamin C levels in liver tissues compared to the control group. We also noted a degradation of nucleic acids, testifying difenoconazole genotoxicity. Changes in hepatic tissues were confirmed by histological findings. Co-administration of quercetin (20?mg/kg) improved hematological and biochemical parameters and showed a significant liver protective effect by decreasing MDA levels and producing advanced oxidation protein, along with increased antioxidative enzyme activities and vitamin C levels. Results were confirmed by the improvement of histological impairments. Thus, it appears that quercetin was effective in preventing acute liver injury induced by exposure to difenoconazole.     

Oxidant effects and toxicity of Croton campestris in Drosophila melanogaster

Context: Croton campestris A.St.-Hil. (Euphorbiaceae) is a species native to Northeast Brazil used by traditional communities for the treatment of a variety of health problems. However, potential toxicological effects of this plant are unknown.

Objective: The potential toxicity of the hydroalcoholic extract of C. campestris leaves on Drosophila melanogaster insect model, additionally with phytochemical constitution and cellular mechanisms mediating the action of extract were analysed in this study.

Materials and methods: Constituents of the extract were evaluated by HPLC. In vitro antioxidant potential of extract was analysed by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP. Flies injected culture medium mixed with extract (0.1–50?mg/mL) for 72?h. After, ROS production was evaluated by DCF-DA oxidation. Phosphorylation of MAPK signalling pathway was investigated by Western blotting method. Activity of antioxidant enzymes was analysed in homogenates.

Results: Major components of the extract include quercetin (38.11?±?0.06?mg/g), caffeic acid (20.06?±?0.17?mg/g) and kaempferol (15.45?±?0.05?mg/g). Consumption of the extract impaired locomotor performance and induced fly death of flies (LC₅₀ of 26.51?mg/mL). Augmented ROS formation and SOD, CAT and GST activity were observed from 0.1?mg/mL. JNK and p38 kinases phosphorylation was modulated and Paraquat-induced toxicity was augmented by extract.

Discussion and conclusion: Our data show important toxicological effects of C. campestris leading to increased mortality and impaired locomotor performance accompanied by induction of cell stress markers in flies. The study draws attention to the indiscriminate use of plant extracts.