The protective role of copper nicotinate and vitamin E against neem seed oil induced oxidative stress and histopathological changes in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, Linnaeus, 1758)

The aim of the current investigation was to evaluate whether neem (Azadirachta indica) seeds oil (NO) induced changes on some oxidative indicators and histopathological alterations in tissues of Oreochromis niloticus fish and the possible protective effects of copper nicotinate (CN) and vitamin E on neem oil-induced changes. Fish were divided into 8 groups and treated with NO alone or in combination with CN, vitamin E and clean water. NO interfered with the antioxidant defense system of O. niloticus, as there was a decrease in GST, CAT and SOD activities in all studied organs as compared to control group. These alterations in antioxidants activities were accompanied with the occurrence of histological lesions and damage in gills, liver and posterior kidney tissues. The addition of CN and Vitamin E in fish diets could protect the fish O. niloticus against NO-induced oxidative damage and histopathological changes showing recovery of fish organs. It was concluded that although botanical pesticides are being considered as less toxic/safe, but it may provoke deleterious changes in vital organs of the fish. Hence, precautions must be taken into account when botanicals are being used in fish production facilities.