Gomes, N.S., da Silva E Silva, F.A., Janner, D.E., Fernandes, E.J., Rocha, R.F., Mustafa Dahleh, M.M., Bortolotto, V.C., Sigal Carriço, M.R., Andrade Ugalde, G., Roehrs, R., Guerra, G.P., Gasparotto Denardin, E.L. (2025). Crude açaí oil protects against paraquat-induced neurotoxicity in Drosophila melanogaster: Behavioral, neurochemical, and Nrf2-related evidence.  Neuroscience 591(): 29--39.

FBrf0264185

Research paper

Environmental exposure to redox-active herbicides such as paraquat (PQ) contributes to the pathogenesis of oxidative stress-related neurodegenerative disorders. Natural antioxidant compounds and green-based materials have emerged as promising strategies to mitigate these effects. A bibliographic survey (PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases; 2010-2025) revealed growing interest in Amazonian bioactive oils and nanostructured systems as sustainable neuroprotective candidates. This study evaluated the neuroprotective potential of crude açaí (Euterpe oleracea) oil against PQ-induced neurotoxicity in Drosophila melanogaster, emphasizing its biochemical, neurochemical, and molecular effects related to Nrf2 signaling. Experimental conditions were defined based on previous literature for PQ (1.8 mM) and antioxidant oil concentrations (50 µL/mL). Adult flies were treated for five days and assessed for behavioral (locomotion, coordination, memory), oxidative (ROS, TBARS, SOD, CAT), neurochemical (dopamine content, AChE activity), and molecular (Nrf2 protein) parameters. The oil's chemical composition was characterized by GC-MS. Açaí oil significantly prevented PQ-induced lethality and behavioral impairments, reduced oxidative stress biomarkers, preserved dopamine levels and cholinergic function, and restored Nrf2 protein expression. GC-MS analysis identified major unsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols, phytosterols, and squalene, compounds previously associated with neuroprotection and antioxidant defense. Crude açaí oil exhibits potent antioxidant and neuroprotective effects against PQ-induced neurotoxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. By modulating the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway and preserving neurotransmitter homeostasis, it represents a promising green biotechnological alternative for developing nutraceutical and nanomaterial-based interventions targeting neurodegenerative diseases.