j. res. pharm. Journal of Research in Pharmacy 2630-6344 Marmara University 10.12991/jrespharm.1798361 Pharmaceutical Sciences Eczacılık Bilimleri Chromium picolinate enhances reproductive success and development in Drosophila melanogaster by reducing oxidative stress https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7148-0409 B. Dhadde Shivsharan Krishna Institute of Pharmacy, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Karad - 415539, Maharashtra, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8524-8720 S. Kalshetti Mallinath D. S. T. S. Mandal’s College of Pharmacy, Solapur - 413004, Maharashtra, India 11 02 2025 29 6 2565 2573 10 09 2024 11 19 2024 Copyright © 2010, Journal of Research in Pharmacy 2010 Journal of Research in Pharmacy

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. These results indicate that Cr(Pico)₃ can enhancereproductive success and developmental efficiency by promoting antioxidant defence mechanisms. Further studies arewarranted to explore the potential of Cr(Pico)₃ in other model organisms, with broader implications for its use inaddressing human oxidative stress-related reproductive dysfunction.

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