Evaluation of Polysaccharides Safety and Potential Bioactivities Using Zebrafish: A Review

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Food Science
• Toxicology

Background:

• Polysaccharides from plant/aquatic sources are gaining attention for health benefits, impacting nutraceutical and functional food development.
• Adequate safety assessments for these polysaccharides are lacking, creating uncertainty about their quality and safety.
• Zebrafish offer a suitable vertebrate model for evaluating the safety and functionality of bioactive compounds due to their unique biological characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review functional and safety studies of polysaccharides from plant/aquatic food sources using the zebrafish model.
• To promote the development of these polysaccharides into novel nutritional and functional foods.
• To explore new applications and enhance understanding of biological systems influenced by polysaccharides.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies utilizing zebrafish for polysaccharide safety and functional evaluation.
• Analysis of research on plant/aquatic polysaccharides' effects on melanin production, osteoporosis, and obesity in zebrafish.
• Synthesis of findings to assess the potential of polysaccharides in food applications.

Main Results:

• Zebrafish models have demonstrated significant functional potentials of various plant/aquatic polysaccharides.
• Studies highlight benefits related to melanin production, osteoporosis prevention, and obesity management.
• Evidence suggests polysaccharides can positively impact various physiological processes.

Conclusions:

• The zebrafish model is valuable for assessing the safety and functionality of food-derived polysaccharides.
• Polysaccharides show promise for developing innovative nutraceutical and functional foods.
• Further research can unlock new applications and deepen the understanding of polysaccharide bioactivity.