This paper demonstrated the teratogenicity and embryotoxicity of Moringa oleifera leaves and bark hot water extracts in Danio rerio embryos. Hatchability, heartbeat rate, morphological abnormalities and mortality rate of embryos exposed to M. oleifera extracts. M. oleifera leaves and bark hot water extracts showed teratogenic properties as indicated by no and low percentage hatchability, absence or low heartbeat rate, growth retardation and morphological abnormalities of the embryos including yolk deformity and stunted tail. Leaves and bark hot water extracts at 6000 ppm and 3000 ppm concentrations are highly toxic to D. rerio embryos as early as after 12 and 24 hours of exposure. However, lower concentrations of hot water extract showed high embryo-toxicity at 48 hours post treatment application. Inspite of the healthful benefits that can derive from M. oleifera, it is very interesting to note that extracts of this plant also exhibit embryo-toxic and teratogenic effects in the developing embryos of zebrafish.
