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Article

Effects of Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. Leaf Extract on Zebrafish Embryogenesis, Behavior, and Biochemical Pathways

1
Centre for Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB, Inov4Agro), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
2
Department of Agricultural Sciences, Higher Polytechnic Institute of Bengo, B. Caboxa | Dande, Bengo 244-2004, Angola
3
Bioactivity & Applications Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Natural Sciences, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Molecules 2025, 30(15), 3252; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153252 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 30 June 2025 / Revised: 23 July 2025 / Accepted: 1 August 2025 / Published: 3 August 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Traditional Medicinal Plants, 2nd Edition)

Abstract

Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. leaves are rich in polyphenolic compounds, yet their toxicological effects in aquatic models remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the impact of a hydroethanolic E. japonica leaf extract on zebrafish embryos through the use of morphological, behavioral, and biochemical parameters. The 96 h LC50 was determined as 189.8 ± 4.5 mg/L, classifying the extract as practically non-toxic, according to OECD guidelines. Thereby, embryos were exposed for 90 h to 75 and 150 mg/L concentrations of the E. japonica leaf extract. While no significant effects were noted at the lowest concentration of 150 mg/L, significant developmental effects were observed, including reduced survival, delayed hatching, underdevelopment of the swim bladder, and retention of the yolk sac. These malformations were accompanied by marked behavioral impairments. Biochemical analysis revealed a concentration-dependent increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity, suggesting the activation of antioxidant defenses, despite no significant change in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. This indicates a potential compensatory redox response to a pro-oxidant signal. Additionally, the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was significantly reduced at the highest concentration, which may have contributed to the observed neurobehavioral changes. While AChE inhibition is commonly associated with neurotoxicity, it is also a known therapeutic target in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting concentration-dependent dual effects. In summary, the E. japonica leaf extract induced concentration-dependent developmental and behavioral effects in zebrafish embryos, while activating antioxidant responses without triggering oxidative damage. These findings highlight the extract’s potential bioactivity and underscore the need for further studies to explore its safety and therapeutic relevance.
Keywords: Eriobotrya japonica (loquat); Danio rerio; embryogenesis; behavior; biochemical pathways Eriobotrya japonica (loquat); Danio rerio; embryogenesis; behavior; biochemical pathways

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Barros, J.; Gouvinhas, I.; Venâncio, C.; Granato, D.; Barros, A.N.; Félix, L. Effects of Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. Leaf Extract on Zebrafish Embryogenesis, Behavior, and Biochemical Pathways. Molecules 2025, 30, 3252. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153252

AMA Style

Barros J, Gouvinhas I, Venâncio C, Granato D, Barros AN, Félix L. Effects of Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. Leaf Extract on Zebrafish Embryogenesis, Behavior, and Biochemical Pathways. Molecules. 2025; 30(15):3252. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153252

Chicago/Turabian Style

Barros, Jorge, Irene Gouvinhas, Carlos Venâncio, Daniel Granato, Ana Novo Barros, and Luís Félix. 2025. "Effects of Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. Leaf Extract on Zebrafish Embryogenesis, Behavior, and Biochemical Pathways" Molecules 30, no. 15: 3252. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153252

APA Style

Barros, J., Gouvinhas, I., Venâncio, C., Granato, D., Barros, A. N., & Félix, L. (2025). Effects of Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. Leaf Extract on Zebrafish Embryogenesis, Behavior, and Biochemical Pathways. Molecules, 30(15), 3252. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153252

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