Effects of the Magnesium Supplement, Calm, on Climbing, Wall Following, and Aggression in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a marked increase in the accessibility and popularity of homeopathic supplements; however, the benefits these supplements claim to provide and their safety have not been thoroughly studied. Prior research has shown that magnesium supplements may be used as an alternative to melatonin to boost energy, improve anxiety symptoms, and improve sleep and memory. To determine whether or not magnesium supplements provide the benefits they claim, the effects of the magnesium supplement, Calm, on behaviors of the model organism, Drosophila melanogaster, were analyzed. It was hypothesized that if Drosophila melanogaster were exposed to Calm for one week, they would be able to climb further, spend less time wall following, and be more aggressive; behaviors that correspond to increased energy, improved anxiety symptoms, and better sleep. The results of this study showed that the Calm treated flies climbed significantly further and spent less time engaging in wall following behaviors; however, they did not exhibit more aggressive behaviors. These findings support Calm’s claim of improving energy and anxiety symptoms; however, they do not support Calm’s claim of improving sleep-related behaviors.