Evaluating disinfecting effect of Henna Extract (Lawsonia inermi) compared with copper sulfate (CuSo4.5H2o) and its effect on gill and liver tissues and bacterial and fungal loads on skin and gills of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii)

Henna contains various compounds such as carbohydrates, proteins, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, trinoids, quinone, coumarins, xanthones and fatty acids. In the present study, the disinfectant effects of henna extract compared to copper sulfate (CuSo4.5H2O) and effects on gill and liver histopathology in Siberian sturgeon were studied (Acipenser baerii). 500 fish (15 gr) were selected. At first, the LC50 and then the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) of Henna extracts were determined. Then, six treatments were designed, each with 3 repetitions. In treatments 1 to 4, amount of MAC, 25%, 50%, and 75% of the MAC value were used. Also, in treatment 5, copper sulfate at 0.07 mg / l was used to compare its effect with others. Fish were exposeed to different concentrations for 4 days (96 hours). The bacterial and fungal loads of gill and skin was counted on TSA and SDA plate agar, respectively. Histology of gill and liver were examined after preparing tissue sections. The results showed that after copper sulfate, the best (lowest) values were observed in treatments 2 (25% MAC value of henna) and 3 (50% MAC value of henna) in terms of bacterial and fungal loads. The least tissue damage was observed in treatments 2 (25% MAC value of henna) and 3 (50% MAC value of henna) in terms of gill and liver lesions and other treatments had the most tissue lesions. Generally, it can be concluded that treatments 2 (25% MAC value of henna) and 3 (50% MAC value of henna) can be a good alternative to copper sulfate.