Phytochemical Analysis and Neurobehavioral Modulation of Pomegranate Peel Extract (Punica Granatum) In Danio Rerio: A Comprehensive Study on Oxidative Stress Mitigation and Developmental Energetics
Keywords:
Pomegranate Peel Extract, Zebrafish (Danio rerio), Oxidative Stress, Neurobehavioral AssessmentAbstract
This research investigates the therapeutic potential of Pomegranate Peel Extract (PPE) utilizing the zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a primary in vivo model. Given the rising global burden of neurodegenerative disorders and oxidative stress-related pathologies, there is an urgent need to identify potent, bioavailable, and naturally occurring antioxidant compounds. Pomegranate peel, often discarded as agricultural waste, is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and hydrolyzable tannins. This study explores the phytochemical profile of PPE and its subsequent impact on the developmental energetics, neural patterning, and behavioral responses of zebrafish embryos and adults. Using a specialized collection system for developmentally staged embryos, we assessed the acute toxicity, bioconcentration, and protective efficacy of PPE against induced oxidative stress. Results indicate that PPE significantly modulates redox homeostasis, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and enhancing the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, neurobehavioral assays demonstrate that PPE provides a neuroprotective effect, mitigating locomotor deficits and anxiety-like behaviors in zebrafish models. This study bridges the gap between traditional ethnobotany and modern aquatic biomedicine, suggesting that pomegranate-derived bioactive molecules, when integrated into nanoparticle delivery platforms, offer a robust strategy for treating oxidative-induced diseases. The findings highlight the dual role of PPE as both a nutritional supplement and a pharmacological candidate for neuroprotection.
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