Abstract

GC-MS PROFILING OF PHYTOCOMPONENTS IN MORMORDICA CHARANTIA L., IN-SILLICO ADMET PREDICTION AND IN-VIVO ACUTE TOXICITY EVALUATION USING ADULT ZEBRAFISH

Sanjib Kumar Mohanty, Sai Aparna, Achyutananda Samal, Yashaswi Nayak* and

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Abstract

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia), both plant and its derivatives commonly known for its significant antiproliferative properties and medicinal use modulating the key signalling pathways. Despite its therapeutic potential, the toxicological effects of its components are not well understood. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the phytocomponents of Momordica charantia L., with an aim for assessment of cytotoxicity through Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), in-silico prediction as well as in-vivo studies using zebrafish model. The phytochemical profiling was conducted using Gas Chromatography for assessment of the drug-likeness of its components; an ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) profiling was performed in silico, providing insights into their pharmacokinetic properties and safety profiles. Among the bioactive compounds, quinine was highlighted for further investigation due to its significant pharmacological impacts. Acute toxicity of quinine was assessed in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) by following OECD guidelines. In this study, the adult zebrafish were exposed to different concentrations of quinine (0.125 mg/L, 0.250 mg/L, 0.50 mg/L, 2.5 mg/L, 5 mg/L and 10 mg/L) for 21 days. The behavioral phenotype was evaluated by light and dark preference test (LDPT). The findings showed an altered behavioral pattern in response to higher concentration of quinine as compared to control groups. Current study identified a high-risk dose response (0.50 mg/L) proposing a safer alternative dose of 0.250 mg/L for further experiments. These findings suggested that M. charantia phytocomponents, particularly quinine, exhibit promising therapeutic potential with an optimized safety margin to bridge the gap between experimental discoveries and clinical possibilities in drug development.

Keywords: Momordica charantia L.; GC-MS profiling; Quinine; Acute Toxicity; LDPT; Adult zebrafish.