TY - JOUR T1 - Chromium picolinate enhances reproductive success and development in Drosophila melanogaster by reducing oxidative stress AU - B. Dhadde, Shivsharan AU - S. Kalshetti, Mallinath PY - 2025 DA - November Y2 - 2024 DO - 10.12991/jrespharm.1798361 JF - Journal of Research in Pharmacy JO - J. Res. Pharm. PB - Marmara University WT - DergiPark SN - 2630-6344 SP - 2565 EP - 2573 VL - 29 IS - 6 LA - en AB - Chromium picolinate (Cr(Pico)₃) is widely recognized for its ability to enhance insulin sensitivity.However, its broader effects, particularly on reproductive and developmental parameters, have not been extensivelyexplored. The present study evaluated the impact of Cr(Pico)₃ supplementation on reproductive physiology anddevelopmental outcomes in Drosophila melanogaster, with an emphasis on oxidative stress modulation. The studyinvolved treating Drosophila melanogaster with four doses of Cr(Pico)₃ (5, 10, 15, and 20 µg/ml of diet) and monitoringkey reproductive and developmental parameters, such as larval and pupal periods, pupation rates, adult fly emergence,and egg hatching. The results demonstrated that supplementation with Cr(Pico)₃ at 15 µg/ml significantly shortenedlarval and pupal periods by 8.0% and 6.4%, respectively (p < 0.001), and improved the percentage of pupae and adultfly emergence by 7.8% and 7.4%, respectively. Additionally, Cr(Pico)₃ enhanced fecundity by 13.9% and fertility by13.6% at 15 µg/ml, compared to the control group. Antioxidant enzyme activities, including catalase (CAT), superoxidedismutase (SOD), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), were also significantly elevated in Cr(Pico)₃-treated flies (p <0.05), suggesting a strong defence against oxidative stress. 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