Analysis of the Effects of Black Elderberry Extract on Climbing Performance and Locomotor Behaviours of Drosophila melanogaster Using Artificial Intelligence
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24925/turjaf.v13i11.3264-3275.7944Keywords:
Sambucus nigra, Drosophila melanogaster, Locomotor performance, Artificial intelligence, AgingAbstract
This study investigates the impact of black elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) extract on the climbing performance and locomotor behaviours of Drosophila melanogaster, utilizing AI-supported image analysis. Oregon strain fruit flies were fed diets with different concentrations (1%, 3%, 5%) of black elderberry extract, administered both acutely (48 hours) and chronically (10 days). Young (3-5 days old) and aged (40-45 days old) flies, separated by sex, were evaluated with the negative geotaxis test. Results showed that the extract improved climbing speed, maximum height reached, and path efficiency in a concentration-dependent manner. In young flies, 5% extract increased climbing speed by 46.67%, while in aged flies, the increase was 62.75%. Behavioural analysis using K-means clustering revealed that extract-fed flies were more frequently classified as “fast climbers.” Chronic exposure proved more effective than acute exposure. Notably, aged flies experienced significant improvements, suggesting black elderberry may slow age-related declines in performance. These findings emphasize the extract’s antioxidant properties as a potential enhancer of locomotor function and a means to mitigate age-related decline, offering insights into the role of natural antioxidants in aging and their therapeutic potential.
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