Carica papaya and Mangifera indica modulate haematological, biochemical and histological alterations in atrazine-intoxicated fish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822)

Abstract Background Atrazine has impacted negatively on fish by inducing significant alterations in their haematological, biochemical and histological parameters. Mitigating such to enhance survival becomes pertinent. Unfortunately, readily available eco-friendly remedies are scarce. The study, therefore, investigated the potential ameliorative effects of dietary supplementation aqueous Carica papaya Mangifera indica leaf extracts atrazine-induced toxicity oxidative damage tissues Clarias gariepinus . Fish (average weight: 10.57 ± 1.69 g, average length: 10. 36 1.26 cm) were randomly divided into six groups ten samples each. Group I served as control administered borehole water only, group II was exposed 8.50 µg/l atrazine corresponding ¼ 96 h LC 50 , III treated with low (0.25 mg/g) concentration each extract alone, IV extract, V high (0.75 VI extract. experiment spanned 28 days after which histopathological assayed. Results intoxication significantly induced gill liver, culminating different disorders, decreased haematological parameters, increased serum, liver levels malondialdehyde enzyme biomarkers (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate lactate dehydrogenase acetylcholinesterase). On other hand, exposure caused glucose, protein superoxide dismutase tissues. Treatment diets fortified both all reduced serum elevated a concentration-dependent manner. Biochemical parameters also improved extracts. Histopathological examination showed ameliorating restoring structural functional integrity tissue. Conclusions These results suggest that have potentials against peroxidative injury C. utilisation these could better health management practices, particularly rice-cum culture, where application is common.