Dietary Cocos nucifera milk mitigates D-galctose-induced aging and neurotoxicity in Drosophila melanogastervia modulation of oxidative stress and neurotransmitter dysfunction

Background The prevalence of aging and age-related neurodegenerative diseases is a global concern. The impact of coconut milk (CM) as an anti-aging and neuroprotective agent is yet to be fully understood, despite its nutritional importance. Objective This study aimed to examine the neuroprotective and anti-aging potential of CM against D-galactose-induced aging using the Drosophila melanogaster ( D. melanogaster ) mode. Methods Flies aged three to five days were separated into four groups, with five replicates each (n = 50). Group 1 received an untreated diet, group 2 received 25 mg of D-galactose (D-gal) in their diet, group 3 received 2.5 ml/g of diet, and group 4 received the combination of 25 mg of D-gal and 2.5 ml/g of CM diet. The inducement lasted for 14 days. Afterward, behavioral and biochemical tests were conducted. The bioactive compounds in CM were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, and the main bioactive components were docked into the binding pockets of glutathione-s-transferase-2 (GST-2) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Results CM significantly mitigated the lifespan, locomotion, and eclosion rate alterations induced by D-gal and also attenuated the redox status and neurotransmitter disruptions. Also, oleic acid, one of the bioactive components in CM, presented with the highest binding affinities of -7.7 kcal/mol and − 5.1 kcal/mol when docked against AChE and GST-2, respectively. Conclusion The behavioral, biochemical, and in silico results obtained give credence to the fact that CM possesses ameliorative potential against age-related locomotive dysfunction, reproductive decline, and neurodegenerative disorders, possibly via its antioxidant and neuromodulatory properties.