Chapter Nineteen - Utilization of zebrafish as a preclinical model for obtaining insights into molecular mechanisms of the neuroprotective role of ayurvedic herbal preparations

Abstract

A collection of serious diseases known as neurodegenerative disorders (NDD) causes the structure and functionality of the central nervous system to gradually deteriorate. The majority of cases of NDD are caused by a combination of environmental, genetic, and lifestyle changes. Animal models of neurodegenerative disorders have been used extensively for many years in an effort to identify treatments for them. Due to a number of qualities like its tiny size, the visual clarity of embryos, rapid development, and viability for large-scale treatment screening, zebrafish (Danio rerio) has recently gained popularity as an animal model in studies about human neurological diseases. Various zebrafish models of human neurodegenerative diseases have been created with the development of molecular biology techniques including reverse and forward genetics, morpholino, transgenesis, and gene knockout. In this respect, the goal of the current chapter is to give information on the viability of using zebrafish as a preclinical model to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of ayurvedic herbal medicines. Considering the complex etiology and pathophysiology of these diseases as well as the limited treatment options available for these neurodegenerative disorders, the role of ayurvedic herbal preparations as therapeutic alternatives, either alone or in combination with synthetic drugs, could be a promising option.