@article {1494, title = {Evaluation of Neuroprotective Potential of Water-Dispersible Turmeric Extract and Sustained-Release Ashwagandha Root Extract against B[A]P Induced Neurotoxicity in Zebrafish}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {August 2025}, pages = {1-8}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {1}, abstract = {

Background: Numerous advantages of using herbs in the management of neurodegenerative disorders have been documented. Water-Dispersible Turmeric Extract Containing 60\% Natural Curcuminoids (WDTE60N) and Sustained-Release Ashwagandha Root Extract (AshwaSR) are the herbal formulations prepared from the extracts of turmeric rhizome and Ashwagandha root, respectively. Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, has recently emerged as a neurotoxic compound that impacts zebrafish behaviour and triggers oxidative stress. This neurotoxic effect illustrates the link between oxidative stress and neurodegeneration, as well as the development of anxiety-like behaviours in zebrafish. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective potential of WDTE60N and AshwaSR against B[a]P-induced neurotoxicity in zebrafish. Materials and Methods: In geometric sequence, 5 different concentrations of each formulation were prepared and administered to zebrafish for 7 days via bath immersion technique. Before the administration of active concentration, fish were exposed to B[a]P for seven days. Neurobehavioral patterns were assessed by using novel tank diving test and light and dark box test. Results: Exposure to B[a]P for seven days reduced the locomotor activity of zebrafish and increased their preference for the lighter part of the glass tank. A notable increase in locomotor activity and higher preference for diving towards lower zone of tank was observed in the zebrafish treated with WDTE60N or AshwaSR. The histopathological findings showed that supplementation with these herbal formulations resulted in reduction in congestion of the corpus cerebella region of adult zebrafish brain. Conclusion: Collectively, WDTE60N and AshwaSR demonstrated neuroprotective potential against B[a]P-induced neurobehavioral alterations in the zebrafish.

}, keywords = {Ashwagandha, B[a]P, Neurobehavioral, Neurodegeneration, Turmeric, Zebrafish}, doi = {10.5530/pres.20252280}, author = {Tushar Lokhande and Madhusudan Saraf and Jaya Agnihotri and Nikhat Khan and Tejal Dhotre and Sneha Sawant Desai and Ritik Singh} } @article {1187, title = {Ameliorative Effect of Rutin against Zirconium Oxide (ZrO2) Nanoparticle induced Behavioural, Biochemical and Tissue Morphological Changes in Danio rerio}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {15}, year = {2023}, month = {October 2023}, pages = {785-795}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {785}, abstract = {

Background: Zirconium Oxide (ZrO2) is one of the most widely used metal oxide nanoparticles with unique features that permit its usage in various medical applications, including drug delivery, targeting, labelling, and loading. Rutin is a bioflavonoid found in various natural sources and has diverse biological activities and pharmaceutical applications. Some studies have evaluated the impacts of ZrO2 NPs on aquatic creatures, but little is known about their ability to recover after exposure. Since the toxicity of ZrO2 nanoparticles is not known, it would be crucial to investigate their toxicity using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model organism. Objectives: In the present work, the toxicity of ZrO2 was investigated in Danio rerio using behavioural alterations, biomarkers of oxidative stress and cellular damage. The morphology of the gill tissues, as well as the optimal amount of rutin for mitigating deleterious effects was evaluated. Materials and Methods: Fish were treated for 14 days, and seven study groups were examined: control, ZrO2 exposure alone at three distinct concentrations (5 mg/L, 10 mg/L, and 20 mg/L), and combined with rutin (100 mg/L). Results: Compared to control groups, Danio rerio treated with ZrO2 alone or in combination with rutin produced worse outcomes. However, rutin-supplemented groups exhibited greater improvement than ZrO2 alone groups. ZrO2 affects cells by causing oxidative stress and decreasing the antioxidants SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH, and Vitamin C. Enhanced oxidative stress induces behavioural and morphological modifications. The structural examination of the gill tissues revealed hyperplasia, lamellar fusion, filament erosion, and a dilated marginal channel or epithelial lifting. Conclusion: According to our data, the sub-lethal concentration of ZrO2 NPs for Danio rerio is 10 mg/L. Although ZrO2 was detrimental to the groups exposed to it, supplementing 100 mg/L of rutin was able to protect against its toxicity.

}, keywords = {Antioxidants, Behavioural changes, Histology, Nanoparticles, Oxidative stress, Zebrafish, ZrO2 - NPs}, doi = {10.5530/pres.15.4.083}, author = {Briska Jifrina Premnath and Bichandarkoil Jayaram Pratima and Ragunath Ravichandiran and Manoj Kumar Srinivasan and Namasivayam Nalini} }