TOXICOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF EDIBLE ZINGIBER ZERUMBET-DERIVED NANOPARTICLES IN ZEBRAFISH (DANIO RERIO): AN IN VIVO STUDY

Abstract

Plant-derived molecular systems have attracted considerable interest as bioactive agents because
of their natural origin and therapeutic potential. In the present study, the acetylcholinesterase
inhibitory activity and toxicity profile of edible Zingiber zerumbet-derived nanoparticles
(EZDNPs) were evaluated in vitro and in vivo using zebrafish. Anticholinesterase activity was
assessed using an established enzymatic assay and compared with the reference drug donepezil.
EZDNPs did not exhibit detectable toxicity under the tested conditions. Potential genotoxic effects
were evaluated using the zebrafish erythrocyte micronucleus assay, while biochemical markers
associated with liver function were measured in liver-tissue homogenates to identify treatment-
related alterations. The brain, liver, kidney and gills were examined histologically following
acute and subacute exposure. EZDNPs showed concentration-dependent AChE inhibitory
activity, with no significant increase in the measured genotoxicity-related endpoints or significant
alterations in the biochemical and histopathological parameters assessed. These findings support
further investigation of EZDNPs as a plant-derived nanomaterial with AChE inhibitory activity
and no detectable significant toxicity at the tested doses.