PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF MORINGA OLEIFERA AND ARTHROSPIRA PLATENSIS ON BLOOD BIOCHEMISTRY AND GILL TISSUE ALTERNATIONS IN NILE TILAPIA EXPOSED TO THIOPHENATE METHYL TOXICITY

Abstract

This study evaluated the protective effects of Moringa oleifera and Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) on biochemical parameters and gill histology of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed to thiophanate methyl toxicity. Nile tilapia fish samples were divided into four groups: control, thiophanate methyl-exposed (0.6 mg/L), thiophanate methyl + M. oleifera (5% of diet), and thiophanate methyl + Spirulina (150 mg/kg body weight/day) for a 28-day trial. Biochemical analyses revealed that thiophanate methyl exposure significantly elevated serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, AST, and ALT, while reducing HDL, total protein, albumin, and globulin levels. Urea, BUN, and creatinine levels were also increased, indicating hepatic and renal stress. Supplementation with M. oleifera and Spirulina ameliorated these alterations, with Spirulina showing slightly better improvements in protein profile and renal markers, and M. oleifera being more effective in moderating lipid and liver enzyme changes. Histological examination of gills from thiophanate methyl-exposed fish showed severe lamellar fusion, epithelial lifting, and hyperplasia, while supplemented groups exhibited improved gill architecture with reduced pathological alterations. The results demonstrate that both M. oleifera and Spirulina provide significant protection against pesticide-induced biochemical and histopathological damage, supporting their use as sustainable, natural feed additives in aquaculture to mitigate agrochemical toxicity.