Egg case concentrate of Mantis religiosa abrogates the accumulation of cadmium in muscular and bone tissues of African catfish via activation of nitric oxide and myeloperoxidase activity.

Abstract

The study examined the prophylactic effect of praying mantis egg case powder (PMECP) against the accumulation of cadmium (Cd) in key tissues of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Thirty African catfish were randomly distributed into six (n=5) groups. Group I was treated with normal fish diet (NFD) only. Group II was exposed to Cd+NFD. Group III was exposed to Cd+NFD +EC50 PMECP. Group IV was exposed to Cd+NFD +EC50 PMECP+10% EC50 PMECP. Group V was exposed to Cd+NFD +EC50 PMECP+20% EC50 PMECP. Group VI was treated with EC50 PMECP+NFD for 14days. Inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) of PMECP significantly scavenged free radicals in vitro with corresponding increase in the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitric oxide (NO) level. PMECP also showed highest growth-rate pattern and downregulation of cavitation within the lamellae. Hence, PMECP may be a prophylactic agent against the Cd accumulation in African catfish. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Mantis religiosa egg case is widely used in Asian traditional medicine and some part of West Africa, as prevention against several diseases such as urinary disorders, infertility, impotence, and shingles. Our previous investigation showed that Mantis religiosa egg case flour could prevent hepatotoxicity, inhibit respiratory dysfunction, and interrupt oxidative damage in lungs. It is also commonly utilized for its high protein content and clear airways potential. The results of this study revealed empirical evidence concerning the possible usage of PMECP as natural, alternative, and/or complementary protein supplement with prophylactic potentials. Hence, this study underlines PMECP as prophylactic agent in abrogating the accumulation of cadmium as well as improving the protein content in African catfish.