Background <p>Parkinson's disease (PD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons. This study explores the neuroprotective effects of Kapikachhu (<i>Mucuna pruriens</i>) in a paraquat (PQ)-induced zebrafish model of&#xa0;neurotoxicity relevant to PD. Utilizing a zebrafish model exposed to PQ to induce parkinsonian-like symptoms and assess the potential therapeutic benefits of Kapikachhu seed extract. The extract (20&#xa0;mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally, and behavioural, histological, and dopamine analyses were performed. Behavioural assessments revealed that Kapikachhu-treated zebrafish exhibited a 30% improvement in mean swimming speed and a 40% increase in dopamine levels compared to PQ-exposed zebrafish. These results suggest that Kapikachhu mitigates PQ-induced neurotoxicity through its neuroprotective properties.</p> Objective and methods <p>This study investigates the neuroprotective effects of Kapikachhu in a PQ-induced zebrafish model of&#xa0;neurotoxicity relevant to PD. A zebrafish model was exposed to PQ to induce parkinsonian-like symptoms, and the therapeutic potential of Kapikachhu seed extract was evaluated. The extract was administered to zebrafish, and behavioural, histological and dopamine analyses were performed. Behavioural assessments, including novel tank, light–dark, and mirror-induced aggression tests, demonstrated that Kapikachhu-treated zebrafish exhibited reduced anxiety-like behaviours and improved motor function compared to untreated PQ-exposed zebrafish.</p> Results <p>Histopathological analysis revealed reduced Lewy bodies and milder morphological changes in kapikachhu-treated groups, indicating its potential to protect against PQ-induced neurodegeneration. HPLC analysis supported these findings, showing that kapikachhu helps restore key brain metabolites depleted by PQ.</p> Conclusion <p>These results suggest that kapikachhu has notable neuroprotective effects in a zebrafish model of PD, potentially due to its antioxidant properties and ability to mitigate oxidative stress. This study supports the therapeutic potential of kapikachhu for neuroprotection and warrants further investigation into its mechanisms of action and efficacy in more complex models of PD. This is the first study to explore the combination of kapikachhu, paraquat, and adult zebrafish.</p> Graphical Abstract <p>The image outlines an experimental process investigating the neuroprotective effects of kapikachhu extract on paraquat-induced neurotoxicity in zebrafish. It begins with the preparation of kapikachhu seeds, followed by methanolic extraction and analysis of L-Dopa content using HPLC. Zebrafish are then anesthetized and injected with various treatments, including paraquat and kapikachhu extract, to study their effects on motor behaviour. The fish are observed for behavioral changes, and their brains are dissected for dopamine quantification and histopathological analysis. This study aims to validate Kapikachhu's potential in mitigating neurotoxic damage caused by paraquat. </p>