Apigenin is being used by humans in the form of plant extract for the treatment of a number of disorders and inflammatory conditions, until its discovery as a core compound. Apigenin, chemically known as 4′, 5, 7,-trihydroxyflavone is a yellow crystalline powder belonging to the flavone class, that is the aglycone of several naturally occurring glycosides. It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. Numerous pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-toxicant, anti-cancer, etc., are attributed to apigenin. Research has shown that apigenin has numerous molecular targets involved in inflammation. Based on the in vivo, in vitro, and clinical trial studies suggested that apigenin is a potent therapeutic agent to overcome diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disorders, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and various type of cancers. Delayed plasma clearance and slow decomposition in liver increases its systemic bioavailability, and makes it a strong therapeutic agent in pharmaceutical studies. In the present review, detailed accounts of the properties of apigenin have been discussed.

Background. A time dependent loss of dopaminergic neurons and the formation of intracellular aggregates of alpha synuclein have been reported in PD model flies. Methods. The progeny (PD flies) expressing human alpha synuclein was exposed to 25, 50, and 100 µM of curcumin mixed in the diet for 24 days. The effect of curcumin was studied on lifespan, activity pattern, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in the brains of PD model flies. The activity of PD model flies was monitored by using Drosophila activity monitors (DAMs). For the estimation of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl content were estimated in the flies brains of each treated groups. The cell death in Drosophila brain was analyzed by isolating brains in Ringer's solution placing them in 70% ethanol and stained in acridine orange to calculate the gray scale values. Results. The exposure of flies to 25, 50, and 100 µM of curcumin showed a dose dependent significant delay in the loss of activity pattern, reduction in the oxidative stress and apoptosis, and increase in the life span of PD model flies. Conclusion. Curcumin is potent in reducing PD symptoms.

Kaempferol could be used as a possible therapeutic agent against the progression of the Alzheimer's disease.

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Graphene, a two-dimensional carbon sheet with single-atom thickness, have attracted the scientific world for its potential applications in various field including the biomedical areas. In the present study the graphene copper nanocomposite (GCNC) was synthesized, characterized and evaluated for its toxic potential on third instar larvae of transgenic Drosophila melanogaster (hsp70-lacZ)Bg9. The synthesized GCNC was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning/transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The GCNC in 0.1% DMSO was sonicated for 10 min and the final concentration of 0.033, 0.099, 0.199 and 3.996 µg/µl of diet were established. The third instar larvae were allowed to feed on it separately for 24 and 48 hrs. The hsp70 expression was measured by O-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranoside assay, tissue damage by trypan blue exclusion test and β-galactosidase activity was monitored by in situ histochemical β-galactosidase staining. Oxidative stress was monitored by performing lipid peroxidation assay and total protein estimation. Ethidium bromide/acridine orange staining was performed on midgut cells for apoptotic index and the comet assay was performed for the DNA damage. The results of the present study showed that the exposure of 0.199 and 3.996 µg/µl of GCNC were toxic for 24 hr of exposure and for 48 hr of exposure: 0.099, 0.199 and 3.996 µg/µl of GCNC was toxic. The dose of 0.033 µg/µl of GCNC showed no toxic effects on its exposure to the third instar larvae for 24 hr as well as 48 hrs. This dose can be considered as No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL).

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons and aggregation of alpha synuclein (αS) in the brain. The role of epicatechin gallate (EG) was studied on the transgenic Drosophila model of flies expressing normal human alpha synuclein (h-αS) in the neurons. The objectives of the present work include the study of the effect of EG on the climbing ability, lipid peroxidation, and apoptosis in the brain of PD model flies. These flies exhibit locomotor dysfunction as the age progresses. EG at final concentration of 0.25, 0.50, and 1.0 μg/mL was supplemented in diet and flies were allowed to feed for 24 days. The climbing ability was assessed after 24 days. The supplementation of 0.25, 0.50, and 1.0 μg/mL of EG showed a dose-dependent significant delay in the loss of climbing ability and reduced the oxidative stress and apoptosis in the brain of PD model flies.

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