Neuroprotective Potential of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Centella asiatica Against 3-Nitropropionic Acid-Induced Huntington's Like Symptoms in Adult Zebrafish.

Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disease. 3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NP) causes increased reactive oxygen species production and neuroinflammation. Centella asiatica (CA) is a strong antioxidant. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of C. asiatica (HA-CA) on 3-NP-induced HD in adult zebrafish. Adult zebrafish (∼5-6 months old) weighing 470 to 530 mg was used and treated with 3-NP (5 mg/kg intraperitoneal [i.p.]). The animals received HA-CA (80 and 100 mg/L) daily for up to 28 days in water. Tetrabenazine (3 mg/kg i.p.) was used as a standard drug. We have done an open field test (for locomotor activity), a novel tank diving test (for anxiety), and a light and dark tank test (for memory), followed by biochemical analysis (acetyl-cholinesterase [AchEs], nitrite, lipid peroxidation [LPO], and glutathione [GSH]) and histopathology to further confirm memory dysfunctions. 3-NP-treated zebrafish exhibit reductions in body weight, progressive neuronal damage, cognition, and locomotor activity. The HA-CA group significantly reduced the 3-NP-induced increase in LPO, AchEs, and nitrite levels while decreasing GSH levels. Oral administration of HA-CA (80 or 100 mg/L) significantly reduces 3-NP-induced changes in body weight and behaviors, in addition to neuroinflammation in the brain by lowering tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β levels. Moreover, HA-CA significantly decreases the 3-NP-induced neuronal damage in the brain. HA-CA ameliorates neurotoxicity and neurobehavioral deficits in 3-NP-induced HD-like symptoms in adult zebrafish.