Effect of Momordica cochinchinensis extract on locomotor function and brain antioxidant enzyme activity in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated zebrafish Parkinson’s disease model

BACKGROUND: Gac fruit (Momordica cochinchinensis) belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. The red aril of Gac fruit contains high concentrations of carotenoids, including lycopene and beta-carotene. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of Gac fruit aril extract on locomotor activities in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced zebrafish model and measure antioxidant enzyme activities in the zebrafish brain. METHODS: This study used adult male zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an animal model. MPTP was used as a toxin to induce movement dysfunction in zebrafish, while the standard drug selegiline acted as a monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor. Locomotion was recorded on day 7 after MPTP induction using a digital video tracking system, and parameters related to zebrafish swimming, including total distance, velocity, and immobility, were observed. The brain tissue of the zebrafish was collected for antioxidant enzyme activity analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that Gac fruit extract at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg improved locomotor functions in MPTP-induced Parkinsonism in zebrafish. However, antioxidant enzyme activities, such as catalase and superoxide dismutase activities, in the zebrafish brain showed no significant differences among all groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide insights into the further research of Gac fruit extract as a nutraceutical for preventing Parkinson’s disease.