Protein Alterations in the Alimentary Canal of Musca domestica Treated with Datura innoxia Seed Extract
Deepika Vishwanath Jangam *
Research Centre in Zoology, M. G. V.’s L.V.H. ACS College, Nashik, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, India and Department of Zoology, M.V.P.’s K.K.W. ACS College, Pimpalgaon (B), Nashik, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Sunil Dagadu Patil
Research Centre in Zoology, M. G. V.’s L.V.H. ACS College, Nashik, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Botanical insecticides are increasingly being explored as safer and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional chemical pesticides. In this context, the present study focuses on evaluating the impact of Datura innoxia seed extract on the protein content within different regions of the alimentary canal of the common housefly, Musca domestica. The foregut, the midgut, and the hindgut were selected for analysis to understand how the extract influences digestive physiology. The results revealed a clear and consistent decline in protein levels in all treated groups when compared to the control. In untreated flies, the hindgut exhibited the highest protein content (66.02%), followed by the foregut (53.58%) and the midgut (44.02%). However, exposure to D. innoxia seed extract led to a marked reduction in protein concentration across all regions. In the later stages of treatment, protein levels dropped to 42.41% in the hindgut, 34.22% in the foregut, and 25.11% in the midgut. This progressive decline suggests that the bioactive compounds present in D. innoxia seeds significantly disrupt normal metabolic processes. The reduction in protein content may be attributed to impaired protein synthesis, degradation of existing proteins, or inhibition of digestive enzyme activity. Additionally, the extract may damage gut tissues, further affecting nutrient absorption and overall physiological function. Overall, these findings highlight the potent biological effects of D. innoxia seed extract on M. domestica. By interfering with protein metabolism and digestive processes, the extract demonstrates promising potential as a botanical insecticide. Such plant-based alternatives could contribute to sustainable pest management while minimizing environmental and health risks associated with synthetic chemicals.
Keywords: Musca domestica, Datura innoxia, extract, insecticide