Curcumin enhances parental reproductive lifespan and progeny viability in Drosophila melanogaster

Organismal lifespan is a complex trait that is governed by both its genetic makeup as well as the environmental conditions. The improved socioeconomic condition of humans has led to many lifestyle changes that in turn have altered the demography that includes postponement of procreation. Late age progeny is shown to suffer from many congenital diseases. Hence, there is a need to identify and evaluate natural molecules that could enhance reproductive health span. We have used the well-established model organism, Drosophila melanogaster, and ascertained the consequence of diet supplementation with curcumin. Flies reared on curcumin-supplemented diet had significantly higher lifespan. The progeny of flies reared on curcumin had a higher viability. The activity of a key mitochondrial enzyme—aconitase was significantly higher in flies reared on curcumin-supplemented diet. The results suggest that curcumin can not only correct a key step in the citric acid cycle and help in the release of additional energy but also permanently correct developmental and morphogenetic processes.