Ethanolic root extract of Rauwolfia serpentina alleviates copper induced genotoxicity and hepatic impairments in spotted snakehead fish, Channa punctatus (Bloch, 1793)

Aim: The present study was designed to evaluate the plausible efficacy of ethanolic extract of Rauwolfia serpentina to mitigate copper induced toxicity by investigating cytogenetic biomarkers, i.e., chromosome aberrations (CA) and micronucleus (MN) formation; assessment of biochemical changes in liver enzymes (SGOT, SGPT and ALP) and estimation of protein levels in a freshwater spotted snakehead fish(Channa punctatus). Methodology: The experiment was carried out in six groups, each having 15 specimens for 24, 48, 72, and 96 hr. Group I served as control. Groups II and III were maintained with 3 mg l-1 of Rauwolfia root extract and 0.4 mg l-1 of Cu2+, respectively. Groups IV, V, and VI were simultaneously co-exposed with 0.4 mg l-1 of Cu2+ and three different concentrations of Rauwolfia root extract 1, 2 and 3 mg l-1, respectively. For the genotoxicity assessment, blood and kidney tissues were used. Hepatic impairments were assessed after each exposure period. Results: A significant increase (p<0.05) in chromosomal aberrations, micronuclei frequency, activity of liver enzymes (SGOT, SGPT and ALP) and a decrease in protein level were recorded in Group III in comparison to the control. Groups co-exposed with Cu2+and Rauwolfia serpentine showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in cytogenetic biomarkers, activity of liver enzymes and an increase in protein levels, as compared to Group III, with respect to control in a dose dependent manner. Interpretation: Thus, result of the present investigation establish the efficacy of R. serpentina root extract against Cu2+ induced toxicity in spotted snakehead (Channa punctatus).