The Embryotoxicity and Teratogenicity of Radish Seed (Raphanus sativus L.) Ethanolic Crude Extract Using Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Assay

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Approximately one in every 250 newborn babies who have congenital structural defects are caused by the adverse effects of environmental factors on prenatal development. In other words, teratogenic and embryotoxic substances can cause a permanent abnormality in the structure or even death of the embryo or fetus. It is important to identify these environmental factors which include the mother's diet, as well as the food we put on our tables and their potential embryotoxic and teratogenic properties. In this study, the embryotoxic and the teratogenic effects of radish seeds in the embryos of zebrafish were built up.

METHODS

The pulverized radish seed was soaked in 95% ethyl alcohol for 72 hours and was filtered and subjected to rotary evaporation. The researchers used zebrafish embryo to identify the toxic and teratogenic effects of radish seeds. The survival rate, the number of melanocytes, and heart rate of embryos are determined after the exposure to different concentrations of radish seed ethanolic crude extract.

RESULTS

The extracts at 100%, 25%, 6.25%, and 1.56% volume concentrations are highly toxic to zebrafish embryos as early as 72 hours of exposure. It also showed teratogenic properties as indicated by the zero-survival rate and high percentage of low heartbeat rate, growth and morphological abnormalities of the embryos which include deformities of the yolks and stunted tails. Embryos exposed to the 1.56% concentration exhibited growth retardation while embryos exposed to higher volume concentrations exhibited a decrease in heartbeat rate. On the other hand, upon exposing embryos to 100% concentration, it was observed that the ethanolic crude extract from radish seeds severely affected the growth and mortality of the zebrafish embryos. Meanwhile, the mean number of melanocytes is at maximum at 1.56% volume concentration.

DISCUSSIONS

The results showed that exposure of the embryos to radish seed extract delayed their development and decreased their survival rate. Despite the healthful effects of radish seeds, an extract of this plant exhibits embryotoxicity and teratogenicity in the development of zebrafish embryos. Based on the RESULTS of the study, the researchers recommend running High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) test to determine the active ingredients present in radish seed ethanolic crude extract.