Eugenia unifloraleaves essential oil induces toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster: involvement of oxidative stress mechanisms

Eugenia unifloraL. (Myrtaceae family), also known as "pitanga", is a tree species widely used in popular medicine. Despite the well documented beneficial effects of the extracts and essential oils from this plant, little is known about its toxicity. We performed a phytochemical fingerprinting and evaluated the toxicity induced by the Eugenia unifloraleaves essential oil in a Drosophila melanogastermodel. In order to understand the biochemical mechanisms involved in E. unifloraessential oil toxicity, changes in the Nrf2 signaling as well as the hallmarks of oxidative stress were measured. The exposure of adult flies to the essential oil viaa fumigant method resulted in increased mortality and locomotor deficits. In parallel, an oxidative stress response signaling, evidenced by changes in ROS production, lipid peroxidation, alterations in the activity of antioxidant enzymes and expression of Nrf2 protein targets occurred. In the light of our findings, attention is drawn to the indiscriminate use of this plant for medicinal purposes. In addition, a potential bio-insecticidal activity of Eugenia unifloravolatile compounds is suggested, a fact that needs to be further explored.