Abstract

EXPLORING THE NEUROLOGICAL IMPACT OF AMMANIA BACCIFERA L IN ZEBRAFISH; INSIGHTS INTO NEURODEGENERATION

Kotresh Yaligar*, Madhulatha Boyapati, Pranav Phate, Samiksha Upadhye, Deepanshu Powar and Prajkta Shendage

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Abstract

Introduction: Phytomedicine uses plants for healing and is key to drug development, though many plants are unexplored. Natural products are vital in drug discovery, with many drugs derived from them. Plants produce chemicals that can fight pathogens. Herbal medicine is used globally, but regulations vary. Medicinal plants are important for drugs, food, and medicine. Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's are increasing, and natural products are a promising treatment avenue. Zebrafish are a useful, cost-effective research model due to their similarity to humans. Objectives: This study will analyse the phytochemicals of Ammannia baccifera L. extract, determine its toxic levels in zebrafish, and assess its effects on zebrafish behaviour and neurophysiology, specifically locomotion and anxiety. Methods: The study used equipment like a hole board, light/dark tank, and Soxhlet apparatus, and chemicals including dimethyl sulfoxide and scopolamine. Ammania baccifera L. plant material was extracted with 95% ethanol, and adult zebrafish were used as the animal model. The study assessed the extract's acute toxicity in zebrafish and evaluated neurodegenerative effects using tests like the hole board and light/dark tests. Statistical analysis used ANOVA followed by Dunned multiple comparison test. Results: The study of oral acute toxicity showed that the ethanolic extract of Ammannia baccifera L. (EEAB) was toxic to zebrafish at concentrations above 200 mg/L, with complete lethality at 400 and 500 mg/L, while concentrations up to 200 mg/L were non-toxic. In the Hole Board Test, scopolamine increased anxiety, but EEAB treatment, especially at 200 mg/L, reversed this effect, improving exploratory behaviour. The Light and Dark Test indicated that scopolamine induced anxiolytic behaviour, but EEAB had a less pronounced effect, with zebrafish still favoring the dark compartment. Conclusions: Neurodegeneration is a complex process leading to neuronal death and brain dysfunction, with diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's becoming increasingly prevalent, necessitating new treatments beyond existing drugs with limitations. This study explored the ethanolic extract of Ammania baccifera L. using behavioural tests and found significant neurodegenerative activity in treated groups, supporting its traditional use, though further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and identify active compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins.

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