ISIBOR DORCAS OLUWASEUN

Iron is one of the integral components of many biochemical properties which is maintained normal physiological activities for the healthy life. Insufficient iron causes different effects at the cellular level like limited oxygen supply, meager work performance and reduces immunity. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of the varied concentration of Gongronema latifolium leave extract on iron metabolism in Drosophila melanogaster. Samples were 1-2 days old virgin male and female Drosophila melanogaster fed with varied concentration of Utazi leaf extract supplemented corn meal diet. The control subjects include 1-2 days old virgin male and female Drosophila melanogaster fed with only corn meal diet and distilled water. The survival assay was carried out in three replicates of each concentration, for the determination of biochemical assays, a second group experiment was carried out. Ferritin ELISA kit was used to determined the Ferritin level, TIBC was determine using TIBC ELISA kit, serum iron was determined using serum iron ELISA kit. Results show that the average percentage survival was observed to be the highest in Group 5 having 80 percent of flies still alive at day 21. The Survival curve showed a negative correlation curve which shows that as the days increase, survival decreases. Group 1, the control group, exhibited a Ferritin level of 0.42±0.44, while Group 2, treated with aqueous Utazi extract, showed a slightly lower Ferritin level of 0.40±0.00. However, Group 3 (given Utazi extract), Group 4 (administered 5.0 mg Utazi extract), and Group 5 (given 2.5mg and 0.1mg of Utazi extract, respectively) demonstrated significant changes (p <0.001) in Ferritin levels, with Group 4 having the lowest level at 0.22±0.18. there was also highly significant difference (F=128.969, p=0.000*) in Ferritin levels among the group. Iron levels varied significantly among the groups, with Group 3 exhibiting the highest levels (16.18±18.46) and Group 2 the lowest (4.65±0.00). TIBC levels followed a similar trend, with Group 3 having the highest value (38.29±15.43) and Group 2 the lowest (6.33±0.00). The ANOVA analysis for TIBC showed significant differences (F=31.389, p=0.000*) among the groups. In conclusion, the study revealed a decreasing survival rate with increasing number of days that is a negative correlation between the concentration of Utazi leaf extract in the diet and on the survival of Drosophila melanogaster, suggesting potential toxicity at higher concentrations. Additionally, significant alterations in Ferritin, Iron, and Total Iron- Binding Capacity (TIBC) levels among experimental groups was observed, indicating that Utazi leaf extract can influence iron metabolism in fruit flies