Effects of Guaiazulene on Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Defense System in <i>Drosophila melanogaster</i>

Abstract

Guaiazulene, which is obtained from Guaiacum officinale (Zygophyllaceae) and Matricaria chumomilla (Asteraceae), is a dark blue, crystalline bicyclic sesquiterpene. In addition to plants, it exists as a pigment in Lactarius indigo fungus and some invertebrates of the Alcyonacea group [1,2]. Guaiazulene(Gua) is a chemical with antispasmodic and antimicrobial activity. With this aspect, it is used in herbal therapy [3]. Gua, which is a cosmetic colorant approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the USA, is used in skin -body care products, toothpaste, hair dyes, eye solutions, in the treatment of nipple irritation in nursing mothers and also to relieve itching caused by dry skin. In addition, photodynamic activation of Gua has been determined to suppress inflammation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells [4][5][6]. Azulene (AZ), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, and its derivatives, especially Gua, attract attention due to their various biological activities [7,8]. Cao et al. (2016) also determined that Gua and its derivatives show anti-gastric ulcer activity [9].