Abstract

NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF CELASTRUS PANICULATUS SEED OIL ON ALUMINIUM CHLORIDE-INDUCED NEUROTOXICITY IN ZEBRAFISH MODEL

Deepa P.*, Sibi P. I., Athira K. S., Shilpa U. R.

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Abstract

Celastrus paniculatus seed oil is distinguished for its ability to protect nerve cells. The plant's therapeutic benefits have been indicated in conditions such as depression, cognitive deficits, arthritis, and pain. This study aims to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of Celastrus paniculatus seed oil on neurotoxicity induced by Aluminium chloride in zebrafish by assessing various behavioral parameters, including the fish's height in the tank, locomotion, color preference, shoal cohesion, and light/dark responses. The zebrafish were divided into four groups, each containing six individuals, and neurotoxicity was generated using Aluminium chloride after they were exhibited to AlCl3 for one hour; subsequently, the fish were placed in tanks treated with seed oil. Behavioral assessments were performed. Compared to the control group, the movement of the fish diminished throughout the AlCl3. However, movement was restored upon treatment with Celastrus paniculatus seed oil. The AlCl3 exposure avoided the zebrafish from exploring the dark area of the tank. When exposed to AlCl3, the fish unchanged primarily in the upper section of the tank, but after administration of the oil, their movement began to regain. Different colors triggered varied responses in the zebrafish. Under normal conditions, the red section of the tank was frequently visited, while the yellow area was largely ignored. When subjected to AlCl3, the fish began to visit the yellow area, but after treatment with the seed oil, most of the fish reappeared to visiting the red section instead of the yellow. Zebrafish typically show a strong tendency towards the dark area. The exposure to Aluminium chloride limited zebrafish movement to the dark zone.

Keywords: Neurotoxicity; Aluminium chloride; Zebrafish; Neuroprotective.