Penthorum chinense Pursh (P. chinense) has long been esteemed in traditional Chinese medicine for its remarkable medicinal properties, particularly its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This herb is widely employed for various ailments, showcasing its significance in natural health practices (Nabi et al., 2023). Moreover, P. chinense has gained attention as a non-toxic edible herb, making it an attractive option for culinary and medicinal applications. The safety profile of this herb has been established through extensive research, indicating minimal toxicity in both animal and human models (Wang et al., 2020). This characteristic is crucial, as it supports the herb's incorporation into dietary practices and therapeutic applications, enhancing its potential for broader acceptance in alternative medicine.

Due to its recognized benefits, emerging studies have raised concerns regarding the developmental impacts of P. chinense extracts and its bioactive constituents (Yin et al., 2020), particularly gallic acid. Gallic acid, a phenolic compound prevalent in numerous plants, has garnered attention for its own array of potential health benefits, including notable antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. However, the dual nature of these compounds necessitates a careful examination of their safety, particularly in vulnerable populations such as aquatic organisms.

Despite their traditional uses and recognized benefits, the safety profiles of both P. chinense and gallic acid, particularly regarding their effects on aquatic organisms, remain inadequately studied. Understanding the toxicological impacts of these substances is crucial, especially as their use in herbal remedies and supplements becomes increasingly popular. This research aims to address this critical knowledge gap by investigating the acute toxicity and cardiotoxicity of P. chinense extract and gallic acid in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Through this investigation, we seek to provide a clearer understanding of the risks associated with P. chinense and gallic acid, ultimately contributing to safer practices in herbal medicine and environmental health. As P. chinense continues to be integrated into dietary practices and traditional medicine, careful consideration of dosage and concentration-dependent effects will be essential for maximizing therapeutic potential while minimizing adverse developmental outcomes. Our study will evaluate various concentrations and exposure durations to assess acute effects, offering a comprehensive view of the safety profiles of these compounds. This research not only enriches the existing body of knowledge regarding the safety and efficacy of P. chinense but also lays the groundwork for future studies aimed at unraveling the intricate relationships between herbal constituents, developmental biology, and health outcomes.