The Effect of Echinacea Purpurea L. (Eastern Purple Coneflower) Essential Oil on Hematological Parameters and Gut Microbial Population of Zebrafish (Danio Rerio) With Aflatoxicosis

Abstract

Background: Aflatoxin is one of the most important fungal toxins with documented hepatotoxic, teratogenic, and immunosuppressive properties. This mycotoxin is mainly produced by species of the genus Aspergillus in feed. Therefore, the application of compounds, which prevent complications of aflatoxins without losing feed quality, is highly beneficial. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of the Echinacea purpurea L. essential oils on the regulation of the microbial population of the gastrointestinal tract and some blood factors of aflatoxin-fed zebrafish. Methods: Zebrafish were divided into four groups of 45 fish in three replicates: control (G1); G2, fish fed with feed containing 500 µg/kg E. purpurea L. essential oils; G3, fish fed with feed containing 500 µg/kg E. purpurea L. essential oil and 3 ppm aflatoxin B1(AFB1); and G4, fish fed with feed containing 3 ppm AFB1. The fish were fed with diets for 60 days. After this period, they were euthanized, blood was collected from the tail vein, and blood smears were prepared. Fish hepatopancreas were used to measure alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase enzymes with an auto-analyzer. Also, intestinal contents were cultured to evaluate microbial population. Results: Results showed that liver enzymes increased in the aflatoxin group (P<0.05), and concurrent use of the essential oil along with AFB1 reduced the liver enzymes compared with the AFB1-treated group. Moreover, AFB1 could convert the microbial population to pathogens. Differential blood counts in the G2 and G3 groups showed an increase in the percentages of neutrophils and thrombocytes. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, E. purpurea L. essential oils could reduce the adverse effects of chronic contamination with AFB1 in zebrafish. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to better understand the immunological function of E. purpurea L. in zebrafish and its mechanism of action against AFB1.

Zebrafish models for the evaluation of essential oils (EOs): A comprehensive review

“…In addition, the anti-nociceptive effects of EOs on a zebrafish model of chemically induced pain were investigated (Batista et al, 2021;Lima et al, 2020). Moreover, the effects of EOs on anti-osteoporotic, anti-genotoxicity, and promotion of intestinal microbial homeostasis have been investigated in zebrafish models (Hasankhani et al, 2023;Khalil et al, 2011;Stephen, 2019). Furthermore, indicators including growth, liver histology, and antioxidant effects were used in the zebrafish model to assess the efficacy of EOs as natural dietary supplements (Ramos et al, 2022;Silva et al, 2022).…”

The in Vitro Effect of Berberine Sulfate and Berberine Chloride on the Growth and Aflatoxin Production by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus

“…In recent years, the use of chemical fungicides has faced restrictions due to the health risks for humans and animals and the emergence of resistance to them. Therefore, using plant compounds with antifungal properties and preventing aflatoxin production has received much attention (Hu et al, 2017;Hasankhani et al, 2023).…”