Caffeic acid-rich lemongrass infusion alleviates metabolic derangement in D-galactose-induced ageing in Drosophila melanogaster

This study evaluated the ameliorative effect of dietary inclusion of lemongrass infusions in D-galactose-induced ageing in Drosophila melanogaster . The flies were randomized into 5 groups comprising Control (fed on a normal fly diet) and 4 other groups with D-galactose diets. Fresh lemongrass infusion (0.8 mg/mL), dry lemongrass infusion (0.8 mg/mL), and gallic acid were included in the diets of groups 3, 4, and 5, respectively. The D-galactose-fed flies experienced distortion in the concentration of biochemical parameters and activities of related enzymes. However, the inclusion of dry lemongrass infusion restored most of the distortions witnessed in the D-galactose flies. It also upregulated the SOD1 , CAT , and dFOXO genes while downregulating the DILP2 gene. It is concluded that dry lemongrass infusion ameliorates metabolic derangements in D-galactose-induced ageing in Drosophila melanogaster , likely due to the presence of bioactive phytochemicals, especially polyphenols. • Lemongrass infusion was evaluated for its anti-ageing property. • Lemongrass infusion extends the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster . • It improves the antioxidant status of the fruit flies. • It downregulates the expression DILP2 gene in the fruit flies. • The anti-ageing property of lemongrass may be due to caffeic acid.