The Therapeutic Efficacy of Punica Granatum L. Peel Extract in The Zebrafish (Danio Rerio) Model: A Holistic Investigation into Phytochemical Synergism, Neurobehavioral Modulation, And Antimicrobial Resilience in Aquatic Systems
Published 2026-03-31
Keywords
- Pomegranate Peel Extract,
- Zebrafish (Danio rerio),
- Phytochemical Assessment,
- Neurobehavioral Dynamics
How to Cite
Copyright (c) 2026 Maddison Williams

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Abstract
The escalating crisis of antimicrobial resistance and the demand for sustainable, plant-based pharmacological interventions have catalyzed research into agricultural by-products as potential therapeutic agents. Pomegranate peel extract (PPE), derived from Punica granatum, represents a concentrated source of bioactive polyphenols, including tannins, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, which possess documented antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. This research utilizes the zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a high-throughput in vivo model to evaluate the integrated phytochemical profile and neurobehavioral impacts of PPE administration. Zebrafish offer a unique genetic and physiological architecture, sharing significant homology with human disease pathways, making them an ideal candidate for assessing complex plant-drug interactions. The study explores the capacity of PPE to mitigate oxidative stress and its efficacy against common aquatic pathogens such as Mycobacterium marinum and Vibrio species. Furthermore, through advanced behavioral assays, the neurobehavioral dynamics of treated zebrafish were mapped to identify potential anxiolytic or sedative effects. Our findings indicate that PPE not only enhances the innate immune response and survival rates following lethal pathogen challenge but also stabilizes neurobehavioral responses under environmental stress. This article provides a comprehensive theoretical elaboration on the role of PPE in aquatic health management and its broader implications for translational medicine, arguing for the transition from traditional chemical treatments to integrated phytochemical-based therapies.
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