Effect of Argel Leaf Aqueous Extract (Solenostemma argel) on Enzyme Activity in Gills and Muscles of Juvenile Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

This study investigated the effect of acute toxicity exposure to Argel (Solenostemma argel) leaf aqueous extract on the mortality of juvenile Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Mean length 4-7 cm and mean weight 5-6g). It also aimed at studing the effect of long term exposure to a sublethal dose ( LC50) on glutamate pyruvate transaminase ( GPT) and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) activity levels. The acute toxicity test was conducted within 96 hours. During acute toxicity LC50 was calculated. The results showed that the 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours LC50 of the aqueous extract of Argel were 0.88, 0.52, 0.47 and 0.33 g/L respectively. After exposure to 50 % 96hrs LC50 for 21 days gills and muscle tissues were assayed for (GOT) and (GPT). In gills GPT enzyme activities showed a significant reduction in activity level giving 89 iu/l at day one to 37 iu/l at day 21. As well in muscles GPT activity level showed a reduction from 73iu/l to 24 iu/l. GOT showed reduced activity levels in muscles from 69 iu/l at day one to 23 iu/l at day 21 of exposure. In gills GOT showed a reduction from 69 iu/l at day one of exposure to 29 iu/l at day 21. Results obtained were discussed.