Effects of branded and generic glutathione capsules on the melanin content, liver histology, and fecundity of adult female zebrafish (Danio rerio hamilton 1822)

Abstract

Glutathione is popularly known for its anti-melanogenic properties despite not having been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a skin-whitening agent. But it is endorsed as a supplement which acts as an antioxidant in the body. This study aimed to assess anti-melanogenic properties; effects on liver histology; and effects on fecundity of a branded and a generic glutathione supplement. There were three set-ups, control, branded, and generic groups. The control group were fed with untreated TetraMin™ fish flakes while the branded and generic groups were fed with TetraMin™ fish flakes mixed in with the equivalent amount of branded and generic glutathione, respectively, based on weight equal to the human dose of 1000 mg/day. Results showed that branded and generic glutathione had significant lower mean absorbance compared to the control group at 350 nm and 450 nm, branded being more effective than generic, except no significant difference between control and generic groups at 350 nm; no significant difference based on the NAFLD scoring was observed between liver sections of the three groups; and no significant difference was observed in terms of fecundity as well as no obvious difference in larval pigmentation at 72 hpf among the three groups. This investigation provides evidences of anti-melanogenic properties of branded and generic glutathione.