ItemArticle

Evaluation of Potential Toxicity of Calotropis gigantea Leaf Extract on Danio rerio: Bioactive Compounds, Oxidative Stress and Histological Toxicity Analysis

Title
Evaluation of Potential Toxicity of Calotropis gigantea Leaf Extract on Danio rerio: Bioactive Compounds, Oxidative Stress and Histological Toxicity Analysis
Creator
Ganavi, B.B.; Paari, Kuppusamy Alagesan
Description
A greater understanding of the ecotoxicological effects of plant-based products is required due to their increasing use. Despite its long-recognised medicinal properties, Calotropis gigantea possesses toxic characteristics that necessitate further investigation into its chemical composition and biological effects. This study evaluates the toxicity of crude C. gigantea leaf extracts on the freshwater fish Danio rerio over a 30-day exposure period. Alongside GCMS analysis, which identified 48 major constituents, the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity were assessed using the DPPH assay. The extracts exhibited a higher flavonoid content than phenolic content, indicating strong antioxidant potential. In contrast, biochemical analyses revealed that exposed fish showed significantly elevated levels of oxidative stress biomarkers, including succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), signifying cellular stress and disruption of redox homeostasis. Histological examinations of the liver, brain, muscle, and gills of treated fish demonstrated notable alterations. The gills exhibited lamellar fusion and epithelial lifting, impairing respiration. The brain showed neuronal vacuolation and degeneration, suggesting neurotoxicity, while muscle tissues displayed myofibrillar degeneration. Liver samples revealed hepatocyte necrosis and vacuolisation, indicative of metabolic dysfunction. Collectively, these enzymatic and systemic histopathological responses emphasise the toxicological impacts of C. gigantea extracts on aquatic organisms. The findings underscore the importance of ecotoxicological evaluations and the dual nature of medicinal plants such as C. gigantea, which can be both therapeutic and harmful. In addition to stressing the necessity for cautious application and further research to elucidate the mechanisms underlying their toxicity, this study provides valuable insights into the biological effects of plant-derived compounds. 2025, Dr Tarak Nath Podder Memorial Foundation. All rights reserved.
Source
International Journal of Advancement in Life Sciences Research;Volume;8;Issue;4;pp.111-127
Date
01-01-2025
Publisher
Dr Tarak Nath Podder Memorial Foundation
Subject
Calotropis gigantea; Histology; Oxidative Stress; Phytochemical Analysis; Zebrafish
Coverage
Ganavi B.B., Department of Life Sciences, CHRIST University, Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560029, India; Paari K.A., Department of Life Sciences, CHRIST University, Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560029, India
Rights
All Open Access; Gold Open Access
Relation
ISSN: 25814877;
Format
online
Language
English
Type
Article

Citation

Ganavi, B.B.; Paari, Kuppusamy Alagesan, “Evaluation of Potential Toxicity of Calotropis gigantea Leaf Extract on Danio rerio: Bioactive Compounds, Oxidative Stress and Histological Toxicity Analysis,” CHRIST (Deemed To Be University) Institutional Repository, accessed June 19, 2026, https://archives.christuniversity.in/items/show/23484.

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