Ameliorating impact of Withania somnifera root extract on endosulfan induced testicular anomalies in fish

G B. Chand* & S. K. Srivastava
P.G. Department of Zoology, Patna University, Patna

 Received 11th , March,2009 ;  Revised 30th August, 2009

Abstract: The impact of aqueous root extract of Withania somnifera (WSR) was investigated against endosulfan induced testicular atrophy in fresh water air breathing fish Clarias batrachus (Linn.). Fishes were exposed to three consecutive doses i.e. 0.001 ppm, 0.004 ppm & 0.008 ppm of “Endocel (EC 35%)” commercial brand of endosulfan„ for 4, 8 and 12 days each. The NOEL and MPD of the lyophilized aqueous root extract of Withania somnifera were calculated for the fish and a moderate dose of 50mg/kg.b.w. was given to the fish orally by gastric intubation for a period of 30 days. The blood serum was analyzed for TSH and testosterone through ELISA technique. The histopathological examinations of tissues were done on light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The sperm counting were done  for each group. The serum level of TSH showed a significant elevation in endosulfan treated fish, when compared with control. But the testosterone level showed a significant decline in the same group when compared to control. Both of them showed a significant recovery after WSR treatment for 30 days. The concomitant treatment of endosulfan and WSR to the experimental  model showed non-significant (P<0.05) changes in serum TSH and testosterone level. The WSR treatment alone to the control group did not show any significant changes in serum TSH and testosterone level. Self healing groups (pre-endosulfan treated groups left for 30 days without WSR treatment) did not show any significant correction in altered TSH  and testosterone level. WSR extract treatment showed a significant correction (P<0.05) in total sperm count of pre-endosulfan treated groups. The histopathological examinations of testicular tissues of corresponding groups showed a sign of retrieving towards normalcy. A perfect correlation between hormonal level and histopathology, reveals the ameliorating activity of WSR extract on endosulfan induced testicular anomalies in fish.