The effect of CBD oil on Rotenone-treated Drosophila melanogaster as a model of human Parkinson’s Disease
The purpose of this study is to investigate if CBD oil alleviates the Parkinson’s Disease (PD) - like symptoms found in rotenone-treated Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies). CBD oil is non-addictive and due to recent policy change has become an easily attainable substance that has been widely studied for its potential use in humans. D. Melanogaster is a model organism for human systems making it a convenient and effective test subject for potential human ailments such as PD. Rotenone-treated flies will be introduced to CBD oil through their food medium, with 0.005mg/mL and 0.01mg/mL doses. Flies are evaluated using a RING test method to measure their motor behavior before and after being treated with CBD. A change in the flies’ instinctual negative geotaxis behavior would indicate an effect from the CBD. Catalase enzyme breaks down hydrogen peroxide, which is a reactive oxygen species that leads to degeneration of cells and tissues. Decreased catalase activity would indicate the presence of more hydrogen peroxide and more cellular damage. An improvement in motor function and increased catalase activity would indicate that CBD oil induced positive effects on the flies. Positive results from this study could provide beneficial data to support the use of CBD treatments for PD in humans.