Ayapana triplinervis Vahl: Potential toxicity and therapeutic effects assessed in a zebrafish model

Abstract

Background: In Reunion, 27 medicinal plants have recently been registered in the French Pharmacopoeia. Among them, Ayapana triplinervis Vahl (A. triplinervis) is traditionally used to combat inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as to promote healing and tissue regeneration. Purpose: This work aims to investigate the toxicity of A. triplinervis Aqueous Extract (AAE) using the zebrafish model, and to determine its Maximum Non-Toxic Concentration (MNTC). Then, using several pathological models established in zebrafish, the beneficial effects of AAE at its MNTC on inflammation, oxidative stress, tissue regeneration, and on lipid accumulation were investigated. Methods: AAE toxicity was evaluated according to the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) guidelines in the zebrafish eleutheroembryos (0 to 96 hpf) and by gene/transgene expression analyses of toxicity biomarkers. The impact of AAE on inflammation, oxidative stress and regeneration was studied by immunohistochemistry and reactive oxygen species staining methods in a caudal fin amputation model. Finally, the beneficial effects of AAE on lipid accumulation were investigated in high-fat diet (HFD)treated larvae. Results: AAE increased immune cell recruitment as well as tail regeneration after caudal fin amputation. It also reduced oxidative stress. In the HFD larva model, AAE showed interesting lipid reduction effects. Conclusion: Using rapid and robust zebrafish models, we demonstrated the beneficial properties of AAE, highlighting its pro-regenerative, antioxidant and lipid-lowering effects.