The Role of Drosophila Melanogaster (Fruit Fly) in Managing Neurodegenerative Disease in Functional Food and Neutraceuticals Research

Abstract

Fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) has emerged as a very useful model of neurodegenerative disease and could be more effective for therapeutic screening for neuroprotective properties of functional food and nutraceuticals. There have been no adequate screening models on functional food research in Africa. Limited studies have been reported on the use of D. melanogaster an alternative to the use of rodents and other animals in therapeutic screening of functional foods and nutraceuticals. The genomic similarities between D. melanogaster and humans, quick generation time, low maintenance requirements, and the accessibility of effective genetic tools, make the fruit fly a suitable research subject for complicated neurodegenerative ailments. However, there is more to be done in understanding complexity in human disease modeling, where the use of fly models will be the best alternative has not been explored. More outcry to conduct studies in disease-related models, the chronic diseases, such as cancer, GI disorders, and cardiovascular diseases, which are causes of death in most industrialized countries are required, although most of the diseases are linked with the intake of dietary fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. So the role of research models cannot be overemphasized, more studies are expected in finding better alternatives to the use of animals in the study of neurodegenerative diseases.