Effects ofPolygonum multiflorumRoot Extract in Methanol on Pigment Formation of Zebrafish Embryo
In this study, we investigated the effects of Polygonum multiflorum(PM) root extract in
methanol on developments of teratogenic defects as well as the changing of transcript levels of
molecules related to melanin formation in embryos of wild type strain AB zebrafish. Our results
showed that PM root extract contributed an important role in melanin formation in zebrafish
embryos via activation of MC1R/MITF/tyrosinase pathway. However we also found that, at the
high concentration (above 225 mg/L), PM root extract acted as an agent for developments of
teratogenic defects, including: heart/yolk-sac oedema, haemovascular defect with appearing of red
dots accumulation; yolk/head/body necrosis; abnormal trunk with curved tail/body in zebrafish
embryos. Taken together, we suggest that despite Polygonum multiflorumhas been traditionally
used as a traditional drug or an ingredient of drugs or cosmetics for early gray hair treatment
and/or other diseases for a long time, it should befurther carefully investigated the biological
effects of PM root extract before using as a drug in clinic, especially for pregnant women