Protective effects of perennial herb, Melissa officinalis against furadan 3G induced cytotoxicity in Channa punctatus

Abstract

Aim: The study aimed to examine the toxic effects of furadan 3G in fish Channa punctatus by micronucleus induction assay and alteration of liver enzyme activities (ALT, AST and ALP). Further, the remedial potential of plant extract of Melissa officinalis against furadan 3G toxicity was also evaluated. Methodology : The acclimatized fish were categorized into three groups; group 1: control, group 2: exposed to 1/10th LC50 (96 hrs) of furadan 3G while group 3: exposed to 1/10th LC50 (96 hrs) of furadan 3G along with 10 ppm concentration of Melissa officinalis extract. The discrepancy in micronuclei induction frequencies and liver enzyme activities were compared between groups at constant interval of 24 hrs up to 96 hrs/.e., theendofexposureperiod. Results : The results showed significant elevation of micronuclei induction frequency and level of liver enzyme activities in furadan 3G alone treated group in comparison to control group. However, the protective effect of Melissa officinalis observed in group 3 and observed values were found to be slightly lowerthan furadan 3G exposure groupinatime dependent manner. Interpretation: The study revealed that Melissa officinalis plant extract, afterstandardization, can be used as a safeguard in aquaculture forpesticide exposed fish.