Effect Of Ocimum Tenuiflorum On Behavioural And Physiological Parameters Of Drosophila Melanogaster

Abstract

Ocimum sanctum (TULSI) is a traditional medicinal plant in the family Lamiaceae. It is widelyused as an herbal tea, commonly used in Ayurveda. It has a place within the Vaishnava traditionof Hinduism, in which devoted performance worship involves holy basil plants or leaves. Westudied the effect of Tulsi extract on the fitness and reproductivity of Drosophila melanogasterby analyzing the climbing and chill coma. To carry out this, flies were divided into two groupscontrol group was fed with a normal diet while Tulsi treated group was fed with Tulsiextract. After treatment, the assay was done to assess the fitness, and reproductivity wasobserved by assaying climbing and chill coma. Results showed a significant increase in lifespanand climbing activity compared to normal diet flies. Tulsi extract may help in reducing theimpact of stress and toxicity. The study described how the interaction of antioxidants in dietimpacts early cellular and physiological dysfunction with oxidative stress and aging.