Background and Objectives: During infection, Reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling is activated to protect the cells from invading microorganisms. However, a high level of ROS may also damage the host tissue. The anthocyanin delphinidin is known to have a strong antioxidant activity that protects cells from oxidative damage. This study explored the potential of crude anthocyanin extract from the fruit of Solanum melongena (Eggplant) and Delphinidin-3-glucoside in enhancing the innate immunity in Caenorhabditis elegans against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Methodology: Caenorhabditis elegans was used to study innate immune response because it lacks adaptive immunity. First, the sublethal concentration of S. melongena crude anthocyanin extract (SMCAE) and Delphinidin-3-glucoside (D3G) in C. elegans was determined. The sublethal concentration of SMCAE and D3G was used to supplement the nematodes during its exposure to S. aureus and K. pneumoniae. The survival rate was then observed until day five post-L4. SMCAE and D3G were also tested for probable antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Results and Conclusion This study found that both SMCAE and D3G showed no inhibitory effect on the growth of the bacteria. However, both SMCAE and D3G enhanced the survival of the nematode when exposed to S. aureus and K. pneumoniae. Overall, this study indicates that the anthocyanin delphinidin in S. melongenacrude extract protected the C. elegans against S. aureus and K. pneumoniaeinfection through its antioxidant activity.
Anthocyanins ; Caenorhabditis elegans ; Klebsiella pneumoniae