Lead toxicity mitigation by Cissus quadrangularis extract as sustainable nexus solution

Lead is one of the most lethal heavy metals that induce oxidative stress, organ damage, and developmental abnormalities in all living systems. The objective of this study is to assess the phyto-therapeutic potential of Cissus quadrangularis aqueous extract in mitigating lead-induced toxicity in Danio rerio . GC–MS analysis revealed 22 bioactive compounds, belong to fatty acids/lipid derivatives. The pharmacokinetic properties of the compounds are analysed and molecular docking was performed with oxidative stress-related proteins. The DPPH free radical scavenging assay demonstrated significant concentration-dependent antioxidant properties of the Cissus quadrangularis aqueous extract. Pharmacokinetic profiling of CQ extract exhibited an extended half-life of 568 min. In zebrafish embryos, lead caused dose-dependent deformities, including spinal deformity, yolk sac edema and increased mortality. Co-treatment with Cissus quadrangularis extract significantly inhibited the deformities caused by lead exposure. Cissus quadrangularis -treated adults showed a reduced necrosis and complete recovery from tissue damage in the brain and liver, as evidenced by histopathological analysis. Lead bioaccumulation decreased with increasing concentrations of Cissus quadrangularis treatment, as demonstrated by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Overall, the results suggest that Cissus quadrangularis aqueous extract act as prospective natural agent for mitigating lead-induced oxidative and tissue damage, warranting additional biomedical investigations.