Abstract
This study evaluated the physiological effects of Ricinus communis seed oil on Nile Tilapia alongside selected physiological indices that portend towards anti-fertility. Phytochemical constituents of oil extracted from the seed of mature Ricinus communis plants were screened. Sexually mature female Nile tilapia were oral gavage the seed oil at sub-lethal doses of 1,000mg/kg, 1250mg/kg and 1,500mg/kg body weight and observed for 72 hours post-treatment. Each treatment group was replicated thrice. Physiological responses of the experimental fish to Ricinus communis seed oil were recorded on observation of clinical signs. Histological microtome sectioning and staining with Haematoxylin and Eosin was carried out to aid microscopic examination of the gonadal tissues. The treated fish exhibited clinical indices such as sclera colouration, loss of schooling, reduced opercular count etc. with increasing prominence in a dose dependent manner for a short period of time (first four hours). The physiological responses were likely due to the presence of the fatty acid linoleic acid, alkaloids and other steroidal compounds. Mild to severe necrosis of the interstitial ovarian tissue probably implicated by occlusion and ischemia, were observed as the concentration of the seed oil extract increased from 1000 to 1,500 mg/kg. Ricinus communis seed oil adversely affected the physiology of Nile Tilapia and interfered with the architectural structure of interstitial ovarian tissues, showing its antifertility potential when administered at sub-lethal concentrations.
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