Zebrafish models for neurological disorders: a platform for natural product-based drug discovery

Zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) have become a popular model organism in biomedical research due to their genetic similarity to humans (approximately 70%) and rapid embryonic development. They have proven instrumental in advancing our understanding of various human diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and developmental abnormalities. Their incorporation in research facilitated advancements in understanding disease processes, screening potential drugs of synthetic or natural origin, and developing therapeutic interventions. This comprehensive review evaluates the efficacy of zebrafish models in advancing our understanding of human neurological and neurodegenerative disorders, particularly in Alzheimer’s disease. We discuss the strengths and limitations of zebrafish models, highlighting their contributions to disease-focused research and significant insights derived from these models. Specifically, we explore their role as a natural products screening platform and focus on understanding neuronal development and associated disorders. This review aims to provide a balanced assessment of the benefits and limitations of zebrafish models, highlighting their potential to advance our understanding of neurological diseases.