EFFECTS OF CADMIUM AND HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA LINN CALYX EXTRACT ON ORGAN GRAVIMETRY AND LIPID PROFILE OF THE AFRICAN CATFISH (CLARIAS GARIEPINUS)

Abstract

The effects of cadmium alone and that of cadmium plus aqueous extract of the calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn on organ gravimetry and lipid profile of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) have been examined. The treatments did not alter the brain-, gill- and liver- body weight ratios when compared to the cadmium and extract- free group, the control. Relative to the control group, brain and gill homogenates‘ total- and LDL-cholesterol concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in the group of fish exposed to cadmium alone. Exposure to cadmium alone also caused significant (P < 0.05) increase in liver triacylglycerol relative to the control. When compared to the group exposed to cadmium only fish exposed to cadmium and 0.25% aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn calyx had significantly (P < 0.05) higher, brain total – and LDL-cholesterol levels. The latter treatment, combination of cadmium and extract did not alter the levels of triacylglycerol in the three organs examined relative to the cadmium only group. The aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx therefore offers protection against cadmium-induced decrease in brain total-and LDL-cholesterol of the catfish, Clarias gariepinus.