Research ArticlesAnimal Biology & Genetics

EFFECTS OF CRUDE SEED EXTRACTS OF DESERT DATE (Balanite aegyptiaca) ON BLOOD AND BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETER OF CAT FISH (Clarias gariepinus) JUVENILES

Mohammed M. Y., Oshibanjo D. O., Ojutiku R. O., Sulaiman Y., Audu B. S., Abdullahi D., Oyero J. O., Lamai S. L., Oyedapo F. A., Igoche L. E., Fyneface M.

Mohammed M. Y. — University of Jos (Unijos) (yahayam@unijos.edu.ng)

Oshibanjo D. O. — University of Jos (Unijos)

Ojutiku R. O. — Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)

Sulaiman Y. — Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK)

Audu B. S. — University of Jos (Unijos)

Abdullahi D. — University of Jos (Unijos)

Oyero J. O. — Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)

Lamai S. L. — Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)

Oyedapo F. A. — University of Jos (Unijos)

Igoche L. E. — University of Jos (Unijos)

Fyneface M. — University of Jos (Unijos)

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of Balanites aegyptiaca crude seed extract on juveniles of Clarias gariepinus, as it affects the blood and biochemical parameters. The fresh fruits of Balanites aegyptiaca were collected from Jos, Nigeria, and processed to obtain a fine powder for analysis. Juvenile Clarias gariepinus, averaging 3g in weight and 9cm in length, were acclimatized to laboratory conditions for one week before exposure to varying concentrations (0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, and 0.25 g/L) of the extract. Hematological results showed initial increases in RBC count and hemoglobin (HGB) at lower concentrations, with RBC peaking at 2.26±0.13 µL (0.05 g/L) and HGB at 189.00±1.00 g/L. Both parameters declined at higher concentrations, showing a non-linear pattern. WBC count exhibited a dose-dependent response, peaking at 97.00±1.30 µL at 0.10 g/L before declining at higher concentrations. Biochemical profiles showed dose-dependent changes in Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH). AST levels ranged from 17.50±0.50 µ/L at 0.05 g/L to 36.00±1.00 µ/L at 0.25 g/L, while ALT increased from 11.00±1.00 µ/L at 0.05 g/L to 26.00±1.00 µ/L at 0.25 g/L. ALP values were highest at 84.12±4.69 µ/L (0.25 g/L) and lowest at 54.67±4.46 µ/L (0.10 g/L). LDH increased with concentration, peaking at 418.75±6.85 µ/L (0.25 g/L). Overall, findings indicate that Balanite aegyptiaca extract can influence both biochemical parameters and fish health parameters.

Keywords

Biochemical ParametersBlood indicesClarias gariepinus JuvenilesToxicant ConcentrationsBalanite aegyptiaca

References

  1. Adewale, A. Y., Adeshina, I., & Yusuf, O. Y. (2017). Anaesthetic effect of Ocimum gratissimum extract on Oreochromis niloticus juveniles. Experimental Biology, 7(2), 1-4.
  2. Adewoye, S. O. (2010). Haematological and biochemical changes in Clarias gariepinus exposed to Trephoisa vogelii extract. Advances in Applied Science Research, 1(1), 74-79.
  3. Agrawal, A., Pandey, R. S., & Sharma, B. (2010). Water pollution with special reference to pesticide contamination in India. Journal of Water Resources and Protection, 2(5), 432-448.
  4. Ajima, M. N. O., Ogo, O. A., Audu, B. S., & Ugwoegbu, K. C. (2014). Chronic diclofenac (DCF) exposure alters both enzymatic and haematological profile of African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus. Drug and Chemical Toxicology, 38, 1-8.
  5. Al-Zaidan, A. S. (2017). The acute effects of un-ionized ammonia on zebra fish (Danio rerio). Fisheries and Aquaculture, 8, 212-219.
  6. Audu, B.S., Adamu, K. M., & Nonyelu, O.N. (2014). Changes in Haematolgical Parameters of Clarias gariepinus Exposed to Century Plant (Agave americana) Leaf Dust. International Journal of Applied Biological Research, 6 (1): 54-65.
  7. Audu, B.S., Ayorinde, J.O., Ogundeko, T.O., Omirinde, J.O., Sulaiman, Y., & Ujah, A. (2020). Behavioral and haematological profiles of African catfish juveniles exposed to acute concentrations crude fruit endocarp extract of calabash. Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology, 14(8), 19-27.
  8. Bull, B., John, K., Elkin, S., Onno, W., & Van, A. (2000). Procedure for Determining Packed Cell Volume by the Microhematocrit Method; Approved Standard. H7-A3 ISBN 1-56238-413-9. Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute. 20(18), 1–18.
  9. Daniel, P. (2009). Available chemotherapy in Mediterranean fish farming. In A. Options Mediterranean, C. Roges, & B. Basurco (Eds.), The use of veterinary drugs and vaccines in Mediterranean aquaculture. Zaragoza: Mediterranean Seminars 23. (pp. 12-45).
  10. Devi, M., Reddy, P. S., & Fingerman, M. (2013). Effect of Cadmium Exposure on Lactate Dehydrogenase Activity in the Hepatopancreas and Abdominal Muscle of the Fiddler Crab, Ucapugilator. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C: Comparative, 106, (3), 739–742.
  11. Diala, Sam; THEWILL (27 February 2022). State of the states: plateau state. Retrieved 4 September 2022.
  12. Heuze, V., & Tran, G. (2012). Desert Date (Balanites aegyptiacus).Retrieved April 24, 2014, from http://www.feedipedia.org
  13. Ishikawa, N. M., Ranzani-Paiva, M. J. T., Lombardi, J. V., & Ferreira, C. M. (2007). Haematological parameters in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of mercury. Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology, 50, 619-62.
  14. Maheswaran, R., Devapaul, A., Muralidharan, S., Velmurugan, B., & Ignacimuthu, S. (2008). Haematological studies of fresh water fish, clarias batrachus (L.) exposed to mercuric chloride. International Journal of Integrative Biology, 2(1), 49–54.
  15. Nkunya, M. H., Weenen, H., & Bray, D. H. (2020). Chemical evaluation of Tanzanian medicinal plants for the active constituents as a basis for the medicinal usefulness of the plants. In K. E. Mshigeni, M. H. Nkuanya, V. Fupi, R. L. Mahunnah, & E. N. Mshiu (Eds.). Proceedings of International Conference on Traditional Medicinal Plants. Arusha; pp.101–11.
  16. Ojutiku, R. O., Asuwaju, F. P., Kolo, R. J., Obande, R. A., & Agbelege, O. O. (2013). Haematological effect of acute concentration of cypermethrin on juveniles of Clarias gariepinus. International Journal of Engineering Science Invention, 2(3), 33-41.
  17. Okey, I. B., Igiri, M. R., Ekpenyong, J. J., & Inya, F. U. (2022). Haematological and biochemical responses in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) juveniles immobilized with clove basil (Ocimum gratissimum) powder anaesthetic. Journal of Aquatic Sciences and Oceanography, 3, 102.
  18. Osman, A. G. M., Koutb, M., & Sayed, A. E. D. H. (2010). Use of haematological parameters to assess the efficiency of quince (Cydonia oblonga) leaf extract in the alleviation of the effect of ultraviolet: a radiation on African catfish (Clarias gariepinus, 1822). Journal of Photochemical and Photobiological Based Biology, 99, 1-8.
  19. Power, D. M., Fuentes, J., & Harrison, A. P. (2008). Stunning Fish. Archive of Tierz, Dummerstorf (special Issue), 51, 78-79.
  20. Riaz-ul-Haq, M., Javeed, R., Iram, S., Rasheed, M. A., Amjad, M. & Iqbal, F. (2018). Effect of Diafenthiuron exposure under short and long term experimental conditions on hematology, serum biochemical profile and elemental composition of a non-target organism, Labeo rohita. Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, 62, 40-45.
  21. Sanghavin, N. M., & Jivani, N. G. (2017). A Colorimetric Method for the Determination of Nitrazepam. Talanta, 26(1), 63–64.
  22. Sharma, A. K., Malik, D. S., & Bargali, H. (2013). Food and Feeding Habits of Schizothorox richordsonii Inhibiting Bhagirathi River, Tehri Garhwal, India. International Journal of Recent Scientific Research, 9(4), 25562-25565.
  23. Suely, A., Zabed, H., Ahmed, A. B. A., Mohamad, J., Nasiruddin, M., Sahu, J. N. & Ganesan, P. (2015). Toxicological and haematological effect of Terminalia arjuna bark extract on a freshwater catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis. Fish Physiology and Biochemistry, 1, 1-15.
  24. Svačina, P., Příborský, J., Blecha, M., Policar, T., & Velíšek, J. (2016). Haematological and biochemical response of burbot (Lota lota L.) exposed to four different anaesthetics. Czech Journal of Animal Sciences, 61(9), 414–420.
  25. Thangam, Y., Jayaprakash, S., & Perumayee, M. (2014). Effect of copper toxicity on haematological parameters to freshwater fish, Cyprinus carpio (Common carp). IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Technology, and Food Technology, 8(9), 50-60.

Full Text

Download PDF Manuscript

Cite this Article

BibTeX formatRIS format

Article Metrics

Views

1

Downloads

0

Publication Info

Published in: Vol. 1, No. 1 (2026)

Pages: 109 - 124

DOI: 10.xxxxx/jjaases.2026.6d9c5e6e

License: CC-BY-4.0

OA
Open Access (CC-BY 4.0)

This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License.

Submitted: 7/19/2026

Accepted: 7/19/2026

Published: 9/19/2026

Disclosures

Funding:

No specific funding was declared for this work.

Conflict of Interest:

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest.