PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF TARAXACUM OFFICINALE LEAF EXTRACT AGAINST HYDROGEN PEROXIDEINDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER LARVAE

Abstract

This study investigated the protective effects of Taraxacum officinale leaf extract against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster larvae. T. officinale leaves collected from the Çorum-Amasya region were dried and extracted with ethanol. Synchronized third instar D. melanogaster larvae were divided into six groups: control group, oxidative stress group, three test groups with different extract concentrations (1%, 2%, 4%), and a positive control group (ascorbic acid). Larval mortality was monitored at 24, 48, and 72 hours, and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GPx) were measured at 48 hours. Results showed that mortality rates significantly increased in the oxidative stress group compared to the control group, while mortality decreased in a dose-dependent manner in the extract-treated groups. Biochemical analyses revealed that antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly elevated in the extracttreated groups compared to the stress group. The highest activity increase was observed in the group treated with 4% extract. These findings demonstrate that T. officinale extract has protective effects against oxidative stress in D. melanogaster larvae and strengthens the antioxidant defense system in a dose-dependent manner.