Biological activities of the Italian ancient apple ‘Mela Rosa dei Monti Sibillini’ in a Drosophila melanogaster model

‘Mela Rosa dei Monti Sibillini (MR)’ is an ancient apple variety which is cultivated in Central Italy. Apple is known as a source of bioactive compounds containing high amounts of polyphenols. Five classes of phenolics are usually found in apples: flavan-3- ols/procyanidins, flavonols, phenolic acids, dihydrochalcones and anthocyanins, with flavan-3- ols/procyanidins as the most represented class. On these bases, MR could be a promising source of nutraceuticals to prevent oxidative stress and inflammation, conditions that are closely connected to aging. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a lifelong supplementation of two different MR extracts on both longevity and the endogenous antioxidant defence system of Drosophila melanogaster.