Effect of piperine on haematological and biochemical parameters of Argulus infested goldfish Carassius auratus (Linn. 1758)

Abstract

Argulus are common crustacean ectoparasites of fish and severely damage the fish tissues. In the present study, we evaluated the affect of concentration of piperine solutions on haemato-serum biochemical parameters of Argulus infested Carassius auratus. Seven experimental groups were made, each having 15 numbers of Argulus infested C. auratus except one positive control where healthy goldfish was maintained. Five treatment groups viz., T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 treated with 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 mg per litre piperine solution through bath, respectively and negative control with only 2 per cent DMSO. In vivo antiparasitic efficacy of piperine was estimated after 3 days of consecutive bath treatment. A complete elimination of Argulus was observed in groups that were treated with 7 and 9 mg per litre piperine. After 7 days of post-treatment, the blood and serum from each group was evaluated for haematological and serum biochemical parameters. A significant (p less than 0.05) elevated total leucocyte count , mean corpuscular volume , mean corpuscular haemoglobin , glucose, total protein, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase in Argulus infested C. auratus was found when compared to healthy fish. The results reveal Argulus infestation have a noticeable impact on haematological and serum biochemical parameters. The significant (p less than 0.05) reduction in haematological and serum biochemical parameters were recorded in all the treatment groups in comparison with negative control group. The T4 and T5 groups showed significantly (p less than 0.05) high superoxide dismutase, catalase, total erythrocyte count and haemoglobin. However, higher blood glucose and lactate dehydrogenase levels in 9 mg per litre piperine treated group revealed that higher concentration of piperine have prominent effects on tissues metabolism and physiology of the host. In conclusion 7 mg per litre piperine solution through bath treatment can be used to control Argulus spp.