Unveiling the Biphasic Impacts of Naringenin on Organismal and Suborganismal Levels in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Naringenin is a phenolic compound of the flavanone class found in many citrus fruits. It has several health benefits. However, its impacts may vary based on the concentration or dose. Hence, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the concentration-dependent impacts of naringenin on an in vivo model, Drosophila melanogaster. For this study, first-instar larvae were exposed to graded concentrations of naringenin until their third-instar or adult stage. Treated larvae were dissected to expose the visceral organs such as the brain, fat body, and gut to examine cytotoxicity. Moreover, ROS production and lipid droplet deposition were analyzed in the alimentary tract. The impact of graded concentrations of naringenin on life cycle parameters and longevity was further investigated. Results showed a biphasic impact of naringenin, where naringenin at lower concentrations (300–500 μM) exhibited its antioxidant effects by scavenging the ROS and improving the longevity of flies. Nonetheless, higher concentrations of naringenin caused excess ROS accumulation and lipid deposition in tissues of the digestive tract of treated individuals. Higher concentrations of naringenin (700 and 800 μM) were also responsible for the marked reduction in longevity and alteration in developmental duration of D. melanogaster. All of these results equivocally suggest that naringenin at low concentrations has health-promoting effects. However, the health benefits of this phenolic compound can be reversed at higher concentrations in D. melanogaster, triggering potential health concerns for humans. Therefore, it is recommended that the dose or concentration of naringenin should be standardized for its safe use.