Embriotoxic and Antioxidant Effects of Cymbopogon citratus Leaf Volatile Oil on Zebrafish

• Published in: Revista brasileira de farmacognosia 2023-08, Vol.33 (4), p.778-789
• Main Authors: Duarte da Silva, Kiara Cândido, do Carmo Rodrigues Virote, Bárbara, de Fátima Santos, Maria, Dias Castro, Tássia Flávia, de Azevedo Martins, Moisés Silvestre, Carneiro, William Franco, Solis Murgas, Luis David
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Medicine; Original Article; Pharmacy
• ISSN: 1981-528X; 1981-528X
• DOI: 10.1007/s43450-023-00410-w

This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical composition and in vivo embryotoxic potential of Cymbopogon citratus Stapf, Poaceae, volatile oil in zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) embryos. Volatile oil was obtained by steam distillation and analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Embryotoxicity was assessed using eight concentrations (50, 25, 12.5, 6.25, 3.12, 1.56, 0.78, and 0.39 μg/ml) of volatile oil, diluted in 0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide, and their teratogenic effects were examined in 20 embryos until 120 h post-fertilization. The activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione S -transferase was analysed in 60 larvae per treatment group at 96 post-fertilization. Cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species levels were analysed using acridine orange staining and a fluorescence assay, respectively. The major constituents of volatile oil, geranial, neral, and myrcene, were determined by GC–MS analysis. Embryotoxicity was observed to be concentration and time-dependent, with an LC 50 value of 9.02 μg/ml. Teratogenic effects, such as pericardial and yolk sac edema, tail deformity, and lordosis, were evident at a concentration of 6.25 μg/ml. Superoxide dismutase activity was significantly reduced at concentrations above 0.78 µg/ml, and catalase activity was markedly decreased at concentrations exceeding 1.56 µg/ml. All volatile oil concentrations induced a significant increase in reactive oxygen species production, with cell apoptosis notably elevated at 1.56 and 3.12 μg/ml. We conclude that high concentrations of C. citratus volatile oil exhibited toxic and teratogenic effects on zebrafish embryos and larvae, while lower concentrations were non-toxic. Graphical Abstract