GC-MS analysis of Eucalyptus citriodora leaf extract and its role on the dietary supplementation in transgenic Drosophila model of Parkinson's disease

The role of Eucalyptus citriodora L leaf extract was studied on the transgenic Drosophila model of flies expressing normal human alpha synuclein (h-alpha S) in the neurons. These flies exhibit locomotor dysfunction as the age progresses. The leaf extract was prepared in acetone and was subjected to GC-MS analysis. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of nine major compounds. E. citriodora extract at final concentration of 0.25, 0.50 and 1.0 mu l/ml was supplemented with the diet and the flies were allowed to feed for 21 days. The effect of extract was studied on the climbing ability and the oxidative stress on the PD model Drosophila expressing normal human alpha synuclein (h-alpha S) in the neurons. The supplementation of 0.25, 0.50 and 1.0 mu l/ml of E. citriodora extract showed a dose dependent significant delay in the loss of climbing ability and reduction in the oxidative stress in the brain of PD model flies. The results also support the utility of this model in studying PD symptoms. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.