Protective effects of Moringa oleifera and Arthrospira platensis against deltamethrin-induced toxicity in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Abstract

Deltamethrin is a pervasive aquatic pollutant that adversely affects fish health even at sublethal concentrations. This study evaluated deltamethrin-induced toxicity in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) using hematological, biochemical, and histopathological biomarkers and assessed the ameliorative potential of Moringa oleifera and Arthrospira platensis as dietary supplements. Fish were randomly assigned to four groups for a total of 28 days: control, deltamethrin-exposed group, deltamethrin + M. oleifera-exposed group, and deltamethrin + A. platensis-exposed group. Deltamethrin exposure significantly (p < 0.05) reduced hemoglobin, erythrocyte indices, total protein, albumin, leukocyte counts, and globulin levels, while increasing liver enzymes, blood glucose, urea, and creatinine, indicating anemia, hepatic and renal dysfunction, and physiological stress. Exposure to deltamethrin showed severe histological anomalies such as necrosis, lamellar fusion, lamellar aneurysm, renal sinus, elongated renal tubules, formation of pyknotic nuclei, and damaged hepatic veins in the soft tissues of exposed fish. Dietary supplementation (M. oleifera and A. platensis) markedly restored hematobiochemical parameters and improved tissues histoarchitecture. These findings highlight the potential of natural nutraceuticals in mitigating pesticide toxicity and supporting sustainable aquaculture practices.