Chronic Toxicity of True Indigo (Indigofera tinctoria) Leaf Powder on Antioxidant Status and Haematological Profile of Juveniles African Cat Fish (Clarias gariepinus)

The study was conducted to test the toxicity of Indigofera tinctoria on the antioxidative status and heamatology of Clarias gariepinus. Matured leaves of I. tinctoria were collected, dried, and pulverized. Graded levels of the I. tinctoria leaf powder were weighed and dissolved in 250 ml of water. Data obtained was subjected to one-way to analyse the significant differences between groups and significance level of P<0.05 was used for all tests. Hematological indices indicated a significant (P<0.05) decreasing trend in the red blood cell, haemoglobin and the packed cell volume with increasing concentrations of I. tinctoria while the white blood cell counts increased with increasing concentrations of the toxicant. Stress levels inflicted by the test plant were assessed by estimating the effects on the oxidative stress biomarkers in the kidney, liver, muscle and gill of C. gariepinus. After the 21 days exposure, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and catalase (CAT) were investigated and all increased when compared to control. The findings revealed that the disposal of leaves, and effluent from I. tinctoria could threaten the life and existence of the aquatic organism.