How Royal Jelly Protects Against Pesticide Toxicity: Insights from Onion Studies

Greg Howard
2nd August, 2024

How Royal Jelly Protects Against Pesticide Toxicity: Insights from Onion Studies

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by Giresun University examined the toxicity of the pesticide cypermethrin and the protective effects of royal jelly (RJ) using common onions as a model
  • Cypermethrin exposure reduced growth parameters, increased genetic damage, and caused significant cellular and DNA damage in onions
  • Royal jelly partially restored the negative effects of cypermethrin, but even the highest dose did not fully return the parameters to normal levels
The recent study conducted by Giresun University[1] investigates the toxicity of the pesticide cypermethrin and the protective properties of royal jelly (RJ) using Allium cepa L. (common onion) as a model organism. This research is crucial as cypermethrin is widely used as an insecticide, yet its exposure poses significant health risks to non-target organisms, including humans. Cypermethrin's toxicity was evaluated at a concentration of 6 mg/L, while RJ was tested at 250 mg/L and 500 mg/L to assess its protective effects. The study utilized various parameters to evaluate toxicity and protection, including growth metrics, genotoxicity markers, biochemical assays, comet assays, and anatomical examinations. Exposure to cypermethrin led to a reduction in several growth parameters, such as weight increase, root elongation, rooting percentage, and mitotic index (MI). Additionally, chlorophyll a and b levels were diminished. Genotoxicity was evident through increased frequencies of micronucleus (MN) and chromosomal aberrations (CAs), elevated levels of proline and malondialdehyde (MDA), and heightened activity rates of the enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Spectral changes in DNA suggested interactions between cypermethrin and DNA, supported by molecular docking investigations indicating potential interactions with tubulins, histones, and topoisomerases. Furthermore, cypermethrin caused significant damage to meristematic cells in root tissue and induced DNA fragmentation, as revealed by the comet assay. However, when RJ was applied in combination with cypermethrin, there was a substantial restoration of all negatively impacted parameters. Despite this, even the highest dose of RJ (500 mg/L) did not fully restore the parameters to control levels, indicating that while RJ has protective effects, it may not entirely counteract cypermethrin toxicity. These findings align with previous studies investigating the protective roles of natural substances against chemical toxicity. For instance, a study examining the protective role of RJ against sodium benzoate toxicity in A. cepa demonstrated that RJ reduced oxidative stress and genetic damage induced by sodium benzoate[2]. Similarly, blueberry extracts have been shown to mitigate penoxsulam toxicity in A. cepa, improving growth parameters and reducing genotoxicity[3]. Additionally, epicatechin has been found to counteract oxidative and inflammatory effects induced by cypermethrin in rats, suggesting its potential as a protective agent[4]. The current study by Giresun University expands on these findings by demonstrating that RJ can also mitigate the harmful effects of cypermethrin, a widely used pesticide. This research highlights RJ as a promising, accessible, and functional food candidate for protecting against hazardous substances like pesticides. By employing a variety of approaches, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of cypermethrin's toxicity and the protective role of RJ, contributing valuable insights into potential natural interventions for chemical exposures.

HealthBiochemPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) A comprehensive analysis of royal jelly protection against cypermethrin-induced toxicity in the model organism Allium cepa L., employing spectral shift and molecular docking approaches.

Published 31st July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.105997

Related Studies

2) Therapeutic effects of royal jelly against sodium benzoate-induced toxicity: cytotoxic, genotoxic, and biochemical assessment.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-13172-6

3) Monitoring genotoxic, biochemical and morphotoxic potential of penoxsulam and the protective role of European blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) extract.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-34068-0

4) Oxidative stress and inflammation following sub-lethal oral exposure of cypermethrin in rats: mitigating potential of epicatechin.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02274


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