In Vitro and in Vivo Antiparasitic Efficacy of Aqueous Mahua Oil Cake Extract Against Argulus foliaceus Infestation in Cyprinus carpio (Linneaus, 1758)

Purpose The present study aims to elucidate the efficacy of mahua oil cake extract against argulosis infestation in common carp. Methods Aqueous extract of mahua oil cake was prepared using different methods and the best extract was chosen based on its saponin content. Based on the above findings, the in vitro AE (Antiparasitic efficacy) was calculated for Argulus foliaceus. The parasite was exposed to various concentrations of the extract viz., 15, 17, 19, 21, 23 and 25 mg l(-1) for 36 h. After the in vitro test, the next experiment was done to evaluate the toxicity of the extract for common carp. Following the assessment of in vitro AE and extract toxicity the Argulus sp. infected common carp were exposed five concentrations of extract [T1: LC50/5; T2: LC50/2.5; T3: in vitro EC50 value (16.45 mg l(-1)); T4: 21 mg l(-1) and Control]. The experiment was conducted for 96 h, during which parasite mortality was recorded, and AE was calculated. Results Under the in vitro test, 100% AE was achieved at 23 and 25 mg l(-1) and EC50 was found to be 16.45 mg l(-1). The 96 h LC50 value for common carp was 26.79 mg l(-1). The extract showed 100% AE in the T3 and T4 groups containing Argulus infected common carp with an exposure period of 96 h and was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than control and other treatment groups. Conclusion Therefore, it can be concluded that the aqueous mahua oil cake extract has a therapeutic effect against the argulosis infection in common carp at a concentration of 16.45 mg l(-1).