The Evaluation of the Anticonvulsant Properties of Annona muricata using a Bang Sensitive Drosophila melanogaster Mutant to Model Epilepsy

School Name

Spring Valley High School

Grade Level

11th Grade

Presentation Topic

Physiology and Health

Presentation Type

Non-Mentored

Abstract

Although new generations of anti-epileptic drugs have emerged, epilepsy still affects over 1% of the global population, a prevalence that has remained unchanged for four decades (Stone, 2013). Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition defined by recurrent unprovoked seizures and typically requires medication to reduce the risk of premature death and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. However, approximately 80% of individuals with epilepsy live in low-middle-income countries (LMICs), where a substantial treatment gap persists due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure (World Health Organization, 2024). This study investigated whether Annona muricata, a natural supplement containing beneficial phytochemicals, could serve as an effective and affordable alternative to anti-epileptic drugs for individuals in LMICs. The anticonvulsant potential of A. muricata was assessed using a bang-sensitive Drosophila melanogaster mutant, a model organism that exhibits seizure-like activity and paralysis. It was hypothesized that increasing concentrations of A. muricata would decrease seizure recovery time compared to untreated bang-sensitive flies. A 0.01% weight-to-weight concentration of A. muricata was incorporated into a yeast paste. Seizures were induced via mechanical stimulation and one-minute videos were recorded using microscopy software. However, due to inexpression of the mutation, the hypothesis could not be tested. This was likely caused by reduced gene expression over time associated with aging. As the mutation is linked to mitochondrial function, age-related changes may attenuate its expression. Nonetheless, bang-sensitive mutations remain promising experimental paradigms, and future research should continue to identify accessible treatment alternatives for individuals in LMICs to promote equitable access to epilepsy care.

Location

Furman Hall 207

Start Date

3-28-2026 10:15 AM

Presentation Format

Oral and Written

Group Project

No

COinS
 
Mar 28th, 10:15 AM

The Evaluation of the Anticonvulsant Properties of Annona muricata using a Bang Sensitive Drosophila melanogaster Mutant to Model Epilepsy

Furman Hall 207

Although new generations of anti-epileptic drugs have emerged, epilepsy still affects over 1% of the global population, a prevalence that has remained unchanged for four decades (Stone, 2013). Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition defined by recurrent unprovoked seizures and typically requires medication to reduce the risk of premature death and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. However, approximately 80% of individuals with epilepsy live in low-middle-income countries (LMICs), where a substantial treatment gap persists due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure (World Health Organization, 2024). This study investigated whether Annona muricata, a natural supplement containing beneficial phytochemicals, could serve as an effective and affordable alternative to anti-epileptic drugs for individuals in LMICs. The anticonvulsant potential of A. muricata was assessed using a bang-sensitive Drosophila melanogaster mutant, a model organism that exhibits seizure-like activity and paralysis. It was hypothesized that increasing concentrations of A. muricata would decrease seizure recovery time compared to untreated bang-sensitive flies. A 0.01% weight-to-weight concentration of A. muricata was incorporated into a yeast paste. Seizures were induced via mechanical stimulation and one-minute videos were recorded using microscopy software. However, due to inexpression of the mutation, the hypothesis could not be tested. This was likely caused by reduced gene expression over time associated with aging. As the mutation is linked to mitochondrial function, age-related changes may attenuate its expression. Nonetheless, bang-sensitive mutations remain promising experimental paradigms, and future research should continue to identify accessible treatment alternatives for individuals in LMICs to promote equitable access to epilepsy care.