AIVIHENBOR SAMUEL OLUWASEUN

This study investigates the toxicological and behavioral impacts of larsor seasoning—a representative artificial food additive—on drosophila melanogaster, serving as a model organism to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying seasoning-induced stress. Natural seasonings, derived from herbs and spices, offer beneficial bioactive compounds; however, the rising consumption of artificially formulated seasonings has raised concerns over potential adverse health effects due to synthetic additives and high sodium content. In this study, 2–3-weeks-old male and female drosophila melanogaster were exposed to varying concentrations of larsor seasoning incorporated into a standardized cornmeal-agar diet. The experimental design included comprehensive assessments of survival rates, negative geotactic behavior (a measure of neuromuscular function), and the expression levels of key stress-related genes, including KEAP1, GSTD1, PHGPx, and Cap’n’collar (CncC). Survival test was conducted over a two-week period and negative geotaxis tests after exposure to lasor seasoning for seven (7) days. Gene expression analyses were performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis. Results indicated an increase in mortality and significant impairments in climbing ability among flies exposed to higher concentrations of larsor seasoning. Gene expression data revealed a notable upregulation of KEAP1, suggesting an elevated oxidative stress response, alongside a significant suppression of GSTD1, PHGPx, and CncC, which implies a compromised detoxification and cellular defense mechanism.