Enhancment of zebrafish (Danio rerio) immune and antioxidant systems using medicinal plant extracts encapsulated in alginate-chitosan nanocapsules with slow sustained release.

Abstract

This study aimed to screen 10 medicinal plant extracts on zebrafish (Danio rerio), evaluating their impact on the complement system, immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels, lysozyme, and peroxidase activity, while also enhancing their efficacy through the gradual release using alginate-chitosan nanocapsules. The prepared methanolic extracts were combined with fish feed. The fish were divided into 12 groups, including 10 treatment groups, a positive and a negative control group. Results showed varying impacts of the extracts on the immune and antioxidant systems, with Cinnamon (Cinnamon cassia) and Hypericum (Hypericum perforatum) extracts demonstrating the most significant effects. Subsequently, Cinnamon and Hypericum extract were encapsulated in alginate-chitosan nanocapsules to assess their impact on zebrafish immune parameters, separately and synergistically. Gradual release of the extracts from the nanocapsules was observed, with slower release at pH 2 compared to pH 7. Overall, Cinnamon and Hypericum extracts exhibited substantial immune system enhancement, and their encapsulation in nanocapsules improved their effects on zebrafish immune parameters. These findings suggest using these encapsulated extracts to enhance immune responses in aquatic organisms.