Syzygium aromaticum (Cloves) on Ameliorates Lead-Iron Co-Induced Neurotoxicity in Drosophila melanogaster Model

Lead hazards are prevalent globally, causing significant health issues by disrupting iron homeostasis and increasing the burden of diseases, Iron overload, causes oxidative damage to lipids, impairing mitochondrial and lysosomal functions, and compromising DNA, leading to severe health issues. To evaluate the neuroprotection of Syzygium aromaticum (also known as clove) against iron and lead co-exposure in Harwich strain Drosophila melanogaster. Adult Drosophila melanogaster were randomly assigned into six groups: control, clove only, iron only, lead only, co-exposure of iron-lead, and co-exposure with clove. Flies were treated via diet supplementation for seven days. Neurobehavioral tests such as negative geotaxis, phototaxis, and chemotaxis were carried out to qualitatively assess motor activity, sensory response, and feeding behavior of flies. Following the completion of tests, brain tissues were isolated and visually assessed histologically for evidence of neurodegenerative changes. Drosophila melanogaster exposed to iron and lead, relative to controls, exhibited significant deficits in climbing performance, light response, and food-seeking behavior following total co-exposure. This was coupled with histological evidence of neurodegeneration, such as neuronal vacuolization and evidence of tissue disorganization. Supplementation with clove extract significantly improved behavioral performance and preserved brain histoarchitecture, for instance, it reduced neuroinflammation and oxidative damage. Syzygium aromaticum extract has important neuroprotective characteristics against iron and lead-induced neurotoxicity in Drosophila melanogaster, likely operating through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neurocellular protective actions.