Protective effect of Ocimum sanctum leaf extracts against rogor induced ovarian toxicity in Clarias batrachus (Linn)

The present study was undertaken to observe the efficacy of aqueous leaf extracts of Tulsi [Ocimum sanctum (OS), Linn.] on ovary of Clarias batrachus intoxicated by rogor. A very low dose of 0.5 μl/L rogor was administered to the C. batrachus for 8 days regularly. Blood serum of both control and treated groups was analyzed for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones (T₃, T₄) by ELISA. Ovarian tissues were studied under light and electron microscopy. Major changes attributed to the ovaries under LM after rogor treatment were fusion of ova, distortion of plasma membrane, thecal cells, follicular cells and shrinkage of nuclear material. Under transmission electron microscopy wavy plasma membrane, micro tubular disarray, deposition of electron dense secretary granules and nucleus with more heterochromatin than euchromatin was observed. Scanning microscopy also revealed abnormalities like acellularity of ova with grooves and protuberances on the surface epithelium. After 8 days of rogor exposure similar group of fishes were treated with 2 ml of aqueous leaf extracts of OS at the rate of 50 mg/kg b.w. for next 10 days. It was observed that the cellular abnormalities induced by rogor get minimized. Abnormalities of the ovarian architecture reduced to almost normalcy. It also lowers the elevated TSH level and increasing the serum T₄ levels. Aqueous extract showed profound effect in restoration of the cellular architecture and also regulated hormonal imbalance. The correction among endocrinal and histopathological abnormalities suggests that aqueous leaf extract of OS have ability to minimize the cellular abnormalities induced by pesticides like rogor.