Pereskia aculeata Leaves as a Functional Food: Neurobehavioral and Redox Homeostasis Protection of Aged Drosophila melanogaster Against Paraquat Exposure

The aim of this study was to investigate the nutritional composition and functional properties of Pereskia aculeata Miller, known as Ora‐pro‐nóbis (OPN), and to evaluate whether dietary supplementation enhances resistance to paraquat‐induced oxidative stress in aged Drosophila melanogaster . The nutritional and bioactive profile of OPN powder was characterized, and its functional impact was assessed using an experimental aging model. The flies were subjected to an aging protocol followed by dietary supplementation with OPN prior to an oxidative challenge. It was observed that prior supplementation with OPN preserved survival in flies exposed to PQ and protected locomotor function, an effect associated with modulation of acetylcholinesterase activity. OPN attenuated the oxidative damage and contributed to redox homeostasis, possibly by supporting endogenous antioxidant defenses. These results highlight the nutritional and functional potential of OPN, suggesting it as a promising dietary and therapeutic resource capable of strengthening the functional capacity of the antioxidant system and supporting functional resilience during aging.