In Silico evaluation of phytoconstituents from Carica Papaya and its anti-hyperglycemic activities on high sucrose-induced oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster

Oloyede O. I., Ibrahim S. J., Anadozie S. O., AYTAR E. C., Akawa O. B., Adu I. A., ...More

Scientific Reports, vol.15, no.1, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 15 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1038/s41598-025-13246-2
  • Journal Name: Scientific Reports
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, Chemical Abstracts Core, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Keywords: Carica Papaya, Diabetes, Drosophila melanogaster, In Silico, Oxidative stress
  • Uşak University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Oxidative stress plays a key role in the development of metabolic disorders, such as diabetes. This study investigated the phytoconstituents present in Carica papaya (AECP) using an in silico model, and its anti-hyperglycemic activities on high sucrose-induced oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster. In silico molecular docking was performed to analyze the binding potential of AECP’s bioactive compounds to key diabetes targets. Flies were fed a diet containing 30% sucrose to induce oxidative stress, followed by administration of AECP at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg for five days. Biochemical assays assessed were glucose, total thiols, catalase, glutathione S-transferase (GST), and nitric oxide. In silico analysis revealed that carpaine, myricetin 3-rhamnoside, orientin 7-O-rhamnoside, and quercetin in AECP exhibited strong binding potential to key diabetes targets (alpha-amylase, beta-glucosidase, dipeptidyl peptidase 4, PPARG, and SGLT-2)). In fruit flies, sucrose-diet significantly (p < 0.05) reduced total thiol level, and catalase and GST activities while increasing glucose and nitric oxide levels. The AECP in a dose-dependent manner significantly (p < 0.05) reversed these changes, demonstrating its antioxidant and possible anti-hyperglycemic properties. These findings suggest that AECP may be a potential therapeutic agent for mitigating oxidative stress and supports its potential use in managing diabetes.