Miracle tree (Moringa oleifera) extract prevents rotenone-induced stunting in zebrafish (Danio rerio) through decreasing caspase-3

The principle mechanism underlying stunting, a growth disturbance, is not fully understood. One current hypothesis is that oxidative stress plays a role. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were exposed to 12.5 µg/L of rotenone and co-incubated with 0.56, 1.12, and 2.24 µg/mL of M. oleifera ethanolic extracts administered in 2, 24, and 48 hours post-fertilization (hpf). At six days post-fertilization (dpf), zebrafish larvae were euthanized by submersion in ice water and lysed using RIPA buffer for ELISAs of caspase-3. The zebrafish length was measured at 3, 6, and 9 dpf. Administration of rotenone caused impairment of linear growth at 6 and 9 dpf through the formation of excessive free radicals. Rotenone increased the caspase-3 level on zebrafish larvae and decreased body length. The caspase-3 groups exposed to M. oleifera extracts were lower than those of the rotenone control group and the body length as well. Moringa oleifera contains flavonoid antioxidants, such as quercetin, myricetin, and kaempferol that can inhibit cascade reactions caused by rotenone-induced oxidative stress. Moringa oleifera protects linear growth due to rotenone-induced stunting through the decreasing cell apoptosis.