Neuroprotective Benefits of S. platensis Extract on Drosophila melanogaster Model of Parkinson’s Disease

Blue-green microalgae S. platensis has been known for a long time as a source of food with high nutritional value and pharmacological properties. In addition to high protein content, it also contains high antioxidant compounds including total polyphenols, which indicate the possibility of functioning as a pharmaco-therapeutic utility. In the current study, we have demonstrated the neuroprotective effect of S. platensis extract on the survival rate and locomotion capability. Using wild type of male fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) were exposed to FeSO4 (15 mM) and/or S. platensis extract (120 μg/mL) supplemented in their diet for 4 days of study. The results showed that dietary supplementation of S. platensis extract significantly increase the survival rate, locomotor activity, dopamine compound and decrease in malondialdehyde levels of FeSO4-fed fruit flies. This indicates the involvement of polyphenol as antioxidant compounds contained in S. platensis extract. From our results it is concluded that S. platensis extract was effective in decreasing the toxicity of FeSO4 in fruit flies as well as confirm the utility of this model to observe potential therapeutic on neurodegenerative disorders, especially Parkinson’s disease.