The effect of noni Morinda citrifolia L. fruit extracts on the gill histopathological changes of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

Abstract

Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit has a bioactive compound potentially used as an immunostimulatory ingredient in fish. The toxicity of noni fruit extract is therefore important to determine. This study aimed to learn about the effects of noni fruit extract on the gill histopathological changes of Nile tilapia. The method used an experiment using a completely random design with six treatments of different noni fruit extract concentrations with four replications respectively. The fish were immersed in the noni fruit extract solution for 24 and 96 hours respectively. Then, the gill tissue was collected and stored in a BNF solution at room temperature for the histology. This study showed that a concentration of 18% and 20% (5.2 and 6.0 g/L, respectively) caused severe damage to the gill tissue, to the point where necrosis found. A concentration of less than 18% (5.2 g/L) was indicated by a decrease in the damage to the gill tissue after an immersion of 96 hours compared to the immersion for 24 hours. The increased concentration of noni fruit extract has therefore been shown to cause more damage to the tissues and organs.