Investigations on remedial role of Rauwolfia serpentina root extract against carbofuran formulation induced genotoxicity in Channa punctatus

ABSTRACT

Aim: To investigate the remedial potential of Rauwolfia serpentina root extract against genotoxic alterations induced by exposure of carbofuran formulation in freshwater teleost, Channa punctatus. Methodology: Ten days acclimatized fish were categorized in three groups, Group 1 (control), Group 2 (0.09 mg l-1 carbofuran formulation) and group 3 (0.09 mg l-1 carbofuran formulation +10 ppm ethanolic extract of Rauwolfia serpentina). Genotoxic alterations were recorded in terms of single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) and micronucleus (MN) assay in blood cells. The variation in comet tail length and micronuclei frequencies were compared among Group 1, 2 and 3 after 24, 48, 72 and 96 hr. Results: A significant (p<0.05) increase was observed in comet tail length and micronuclei induction in carbofuran formulation exposed group. The longest comet length and peak of micronuclei frequencies were observed after 96 hr of carbofuran formulation exposure. However, an appreciable and gradual decline in both frequencies of micronuclei and comet tail length were observed in group 3 (combined Carbofuran formulation and Rauwolfia serpentina root extract) in comparison to group 2 (Carbofuran formulation). Interpretation: The study, thus, demonstrates ameliorative potential of Rauwolfia serpentina root extract against carbofuran formulation induced genotoxicity in fish.