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The toxic effects of Derris eliptica or “Opay” were assessed against zebrafish embryos. Leaf extract
of D. elliptica via hot water extraction and the zebra fish (Danio rerio) as the model organism were
utilized for the assessment of its teratogenicity and embryo-toxicity potential. Two concentrations of
0.05% (T2) and 0.50% (T3) of leaf extract were used, while embryo water medium was used as the
control (T1). Percent mortality was observed after 12, 24, and 48 hours. In addition, percent
hatchability was observed after 48 hours only. The number of heart beats per minute of the zebra
fish embryo within 48 hours post treatment was also recorded. The results showed that zebra fish
embryos treated with 0.05% extract showed reduced hatchability rate, lower heartbeat rate and
delayed formation compared with the control. The adverse effect of 0.50% treatment was still severe
resulting in undeveloped head and tail region, coagulation and death of embryos. It was concluded
that teratogenic and lethal effects on zebra fish increased with the increase in the dose concentration
of leaf extracts of D. elliptica. Further investigation on this plant species affecting other animals
with ethanol and acetone extracts are also recommended.
Keywords: Teratogenic, Embryo, Zebra fish, Derris elliptica, Hot water leaf extract