Scientific Reports (Aug 2025)

In Silico evaluation of phytoconstituents from Carica Papaya and its anti-hyperglycemic activities on high sucrose-induced oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster

  • Omotade I. Oloyede,
  • Seun J. Ibrahim,
  • Scholastica O. Anadozie,
  • Erdi C. Aytar,
  • Oluwole B. Akawa,
  • Isaac A. Adu,
  • Oluwadunsin S. Omodaratan,
  • Olabisi T. Obafemi,
  • Olusola B. Adewale

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-13246-2
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 1
pp. 1 – 13

Abstract

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Abstract Oxidative stress plays a key role in the development of metabolic disorders, such as diabetes. This study investigated the phytoconstituents present in Carica papaya (AECP) using an in silico model, and its anti-hyperglycemic activities on high sucrose-induced oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster. In silico molecular docking was performed to analyze the binding potential of AECP’s bioactive compounds to key diabetes targets. Flies were fed a diet containing 30% sucrose to induce oxidative stress, followed by administration of AECP at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg for five days. Biochemical assays assessed were glucose, total thiols, catalase, glutathione S-transferase (GST), and nitric oxide. In silico analysis revealed that carpaine, myricetin 3-rhamnoside, orientin 7-O-rhamnoside, and quercetin in AECP exhibited strong binding potential to key diabetes targets (alpha-amylase, beta-glucosidase, dipeptidyl peptidase 4, PPARG, and SGLT-2)). In fruit flies, sucrose-diet significantly (p < 0.05) reduced total thiol level, and catalase and GST activities while increasing glucose and nitric oxide levels. The AECP in a dose-dependent manner significantly (p < 0.05) reversed these changes, demonstrating its antioxidant and possible anti-hyperglycemic properties. These findings suggest that AECP may be a potential therapeutic agent for mitigating oxidative stress and supports its potential use in managing diabetes.

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