Maria Isac

Romania

Neuroprotective Effects of Mansonia gagei Extract in a Zebrafish Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

Isac Maria Crina¹
¹Department of Biology, University „Alexandru Ioan Cuza” of Iași, Iași, Romania

Abstract

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with a major global impact. Current treatments provide limited benefits and often produce adverse effects. Natural compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are increasingly explored as potential neuroprotective agents. Mansonia gagei, a plant known for its bioactive molecules, may offer cognitive benefits, but its effects in preclinical models of AD remain poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective and memory-enhancing potential of Mansonia gagei extract in a zebrafish model of AD.

Methods

Cognitive deficits were induced in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio, n = 10 per group) by exposure to okadaic acid (OKA, 10 nM) for 4 days. Fish were allocated to six groups: control (DMSO), galantamine (1 mg/L, positive control), OKA+DMSO (amnesia model), and OKA with Mansonia gagei extract at 1, 3, or 6 μg/L. The extract was administered every three days for 7 days, with water renewal. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Y-maze test for spatial memory and locomotor activity, and the Novel Object Recognition (NOR) test for recognition memory.

Results

OKA exposure significantly impaired spatial and recognition memory (p < 0.0001). Galantamine restored cognitive performance. Mansonia gagei extract at 3 and 6 μg/L significantly improved spatial memory and object recognition (p < 0.001 and p < 0.00001, respectively) and increased locomotor activity, while the 1 μg/L dose had minimal effect. The extract enhanced exploratory behavior and partially restored cholinergic function in OKA-treated zebrafish. Conclusions Mansonia gagei extract exhibits neuroprotective and memory-enhancing effects in a zebrafish model of AD. These results support its potential as a natural therapeutic candidate and warrant further investigation in preclinical studies to elucidate underlying mechanisms and optimize dosing.