Role of Achyranthes aspera (Linn.) leaf extract in the regulation of behavioural and metabolic responses in Walking Catfish, Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Deepshikha Samdershi*
Research Scholar, University Department of Zoology, Ranchi University, Ranchi - 834008 (India) *Corresponding author, email id – deepsphd2019@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Use of herbal supplements in aquaculture and fish industry is gaining attention to fulfil the growing nutritional demand of the increasing population worldwide. Achyranthes aspera L. commonly known as Chirchita, is an annual herb growing as a weed globally. It has occupied a pivotal position in Indian culture and folk medicines and is commonly used by traditional healers for the treatment of various diseases. In the present study, an investigation was made to find out the impact of aqueous leaf extract of Achyranthes aspera on behavioural and various metabolic responses in Clarias batrachus. Intramuscular administration of aqueous extract {0.5 ml; equivalent to dose of 300 mg/kg body weight} was given; and opercular movement was counted at 0h, 1h, 2h and 24h, which showed a significant increase of 96.49%, 84.63%, 62.64% and 40.66% respectively.After administration of aqueous extract dailyfor 10 days, serological analysis of Triiodothyronine {T3}, Thyroxine {T4} and Thyroid-stimulating hormone {TSH} was done, which showed a significant increase at 5%, 0.1% and 1% level respectively. Asignificant decrease {p<0.05} in T3/T4 ratio was also observed. Body weight was alsodecreased significantly{p<0.05}. Effect on nitrogen metabolism was evident showing significant decrease in serum uric acid {p<0.001} and increase in serum urea {p<0.001} level. Significant decrease in serum calcium {p<0.001} level was also observed. It may be concluded that the aqueous leaf extract of Achyranthes aspera had thyrostimulatory, hypocalcemic and hypouricemic properties which can influence the growth, metabolism, osmoregulation and reproduction in fishes.