Behavioral Disruptive Effects of Spathiphyllum Leaf Extract: Insights from Larval Assays in Drosophila melanogaster

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Abstract

This study investigates the effects of phytotoxins derived from Spathiphyllum walsii (peace lily) on the behavioral plasticity of Drosophila melanogaster larvae, focusing on their implications for sensory perception and motor function. Phytotoxins, known for their diverse bioactive properties, serve as both a defense mechanism for plants and potential therapeutic agents in medicine. The research involved the extraction of phytochemicals from Spathyiphyllum leaves, followed by a series of behavioral assays to assess larval responses to food stimuli, olfactory cues, and environmental conditions. The results demonstrated that larvae treated with SL extract exhibited significant delays in reaching food sources compared to control groups, indicating impaired sensory and motor functions. Notably, higher concentrations of the extract produced effects similar to those of colchicine, a well-known microtubule inhibitor. Behavioral assays revealed that both treatments disrupted normal larval behavior, suggesting that phytotoxins may influence neural circuits and microtubule dynamics. These results underscore the potential of plant-derived compounds as modulators of neural function and behavior, highlighting both their therapeutic prospects and risks associated with their use. This study highlights the potential of plant-derived compounds in understanding neurobiological processes and offers insights into their therapeutic applications. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these effects and to explore the broader implications of phytotoxins in pharmacotherapy and toxicology.

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