Abstract
Convolvulus pluricaulis (shankhpushpi) is a traditional herb used to treat depression and anxiety. Using Drosophila melanogaster as a model, we identified conserved metabolic and molecular pathways mediating its neuroprotective effects. Metabolomic profiling of flies fed C. pluricaulis revealed altered levels of ascorbic acid, glucose, and adenine monophosphate in the head tissue. Gene expression analysis showed significant modulation of G lut1 (glucose transporter 1), CG6293 (ascorbate transporter), Rdl (resistant to dieldrin), GABA-B-R1 (GABA-B receptor 1), and S od1 (superoxide dismutase 1). Dietary C. pluricaulis reduced depression-like behavior in a stress-induced model and elevated head ascorbate levels. Knockdown of CG6293, S od1, G lut1, or GABA-B-R1 abolished the antioxidant effects, and knockdown of CG6293 eliminated the antidepressant effects, implicating these genes as key downstream effectors. Supplementation with L-ascorbic acid mimicked the behavioral and oxidative resilience conferred by C. pluricaulis. Together, these findings reveal conserved antioxidant and anxiolytic mechanisms underlying the pharmacological effects of C. pluricaulis in Drosophila.
