Zebrafish-Based Evaluation of Cymbopogon flexuosus Extract in Acrylamide-Induced Neurodegeneration

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective potential of leaves extract from Cymbopogon flexuosus against neurotoxicity in an acrylamide (ACR)-induced zebrafish model. Following ACR exposure, zebrafish exhibited neurotoxic effects characterized by a threefold reduction in glutathione reductase activity, a 3.4-fold increase in lipid peroxidation, a 1.7-fold elevation in nitrite levels, a 3.9-fold increase in acetylcholinesterase activity, and a 1.4-fold decrease in total protein levels compared to wild-type controls. Administration of the reference drug Donepezil demonstrated significant neuroprotective effects in ACR-treated zebrafish, with glutathione reductase activity increasing 2.7-fold, lipid peroxidation decreasing 3.4-fold, nitrite levels decreasing 1.5-fold, acetylcholinesterase activity decreasing 3.2-fold, and total protein levels increasing 1.4-fold, approaching values observed in wild-type fish. Treatment with aqueous leaf extracts of Cymbopogon flexuosus following ACR exposure restored glutathione reductase, lipid peroxidation, nitrite, total protein, and acetylcholinesterase activities to levels comparable to the control group. Among the tested dosages, the 440mg/ L extract exhibited superior neuroprotective efficacy in ACR-induced zebrafish. Specifically, treatment with 440mg/ L extract resulted in a 2.7-fold increase in glutathione reductase activity, a 3.1-fold reduction in lipid peroxidation, a 1.4-fold decrease in nitrite levels, a 2.7-fold decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity, and a 1.3-fold increase in total protein levels. These outcomes were comparable to those observed in wild-type zebrafish.