The effect of raspberry vulgaris (Rubus idaeus L.) berry extract on the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster

Raspberry vulgaris (Rubus idaeus L.) is a valuable fruit crop of the Rosaceae family. It is widely used in the food industry and medicine. By the results of the HPLC analysis of a raspberry ethanol extract, the fruit contains anthocyanins such as delphinidin and pelargonidin. We have discovered the dependence of the effects of raspberry extract on the lifespan of D. melanogaster on its concentration in the nutrient medium. For example, the raspberry extract at concentrations of 2.5 and 5 mg/ml causes a decrease in the median and maximum lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster individuals of both sexes. However, when using the extract at concentrations of 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mg/ml, we have not found any reproducible effects on the lifespan indicators of both sexes of flies. The observed reduction in lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster fed on high concentrations of raspberry extract through the whole life of the imago seems to be due to the excessive antioxidant activity. This activity develops into a prooxidant effect that disturbs the normal functioning of cells in the body, which ultimately has a toxic effect on the survival of fruit flies. At the same time, it is possible that a short-term use of raspberry extract can have a geroprotective and adaptogenic effect according to the mechanism of hormesis. Further research is needed to confirm this hypothesis.