Effects of <i>Azadirachta indica</i> Leaf Powder on some Biochemical Parameters of the African Catfish (<i>Clarias gariepinus</i>)

Abstract

The study investigated the alterations in biochemical parameters of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) exposed to neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf powder during the short term experimental period in static renewable bioassay system. The fish with mean length and weight of 18.35 ± 0.60cm and 22.38 ± 1.25g respectively were exposed to 0.192, 0.096, 0.048 and 0.00mg/L concentrations of neem leaf powder for 14-day period. During the experimental period, some physicochemical parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and total alkalinity were monitored weekly. At the end of the experimental period, the fish were sacrificed for the test of biochemical parameters that include: total protein, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, uric acid and creatinine in the serum, liver and kidney of the test fish in order to ascertain the effect of the plant on these biomarkers. As the concentrations of the plant leaf powder increased, the activities of serum total protein, triglycerides, cholesterol, creatinine and glucose either significantly (p<0.05) or insignificantly (p>0.05) decreased. An increase in liver glucose and total protein were recorded while kidney total protein, cholesterol and triglycerides were also either significantly (p<0.05) or insignificantly (p>0.05) increased. However, kidney glucose decreased significantly (p<0.05) while liver cholesterol, creatinine and triglycerides insignificantly decreased. Therefore, it is an indication that the plant leaf powder has effect on the physiological activities of the test fish during the study period.

Keywords: Health status, Neem leaf powder, Clarias gariepinus, Toxicity.