ICHTHYOTOXIC EFFECT OF PHYLLANTUS NIRURI LEAF

Abstract

Phyllantus niruri is a versatile African medicinal plant employed for control of
several human ailments. It has been reportedly used in control of certain fish
infections. It lowers fish blood sugar level, has immunostimulant activities and is a
stress reliever in fishes. The present work shows that despites its health benefits, it
has some ichthyotoxic effect which is both concentration and time dependent. The
affected fishes showed behavioral changes which include weakness, erratic
swimming and moribund behavior and finally death. The gills of such fishes showed
lamellae inflammation and distortion and serious gill shrinkage and lamellae
erosion. They must have died due to poor supply of oxygen. The work therefore
suggests that care should be taken when treating fishes with Phyllantus niruri in
order not to exceed its safe limit.