Protective Impact of Moringa oleifera Plant Extract Against Phorate-Induced Toxicity in the Stomach of Carp Fish, Cyprinus carpio

This study examined the protective role of Moringa oleifera plant extract (MPE) against stomach tissue damage caused by the pesticide phorate in common carp, Cyprinus carpio (L. 1758). Fish were divided into five groups: a control group and four experimental groups exposed to two sub-lethal concentrations of phorate (0.075 ppm and 0.15 ppm), both individually and in combination with MPE (8 ml/L), for 10 and 20 days. After completion of the exposure period, the stomach tissues were dissected, fixed, dehydrated, cleaned, and paraffin-embedded. Appropriately sized blocks were prepared from the tissues; sections 5-6 ?m thick were taken and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E). The prepared slides were examined under a light microscope and photographed. After observation, it was found that the fish exposed only to phorate showed severe histopathological alterations, such as tissue degeneration and structural damage, which increased with concentration and exposure duration. In contrast, fish treated with both phorate and MPE exhibited significantly less tissue damage, indicating a protective effect of the extract. These findings demonstrate that phorate induces notable histological harm in fish stomachs, but co-treatment with MPE effectively mitigates these toxic effects. Therefore, Moringa oleifera extract shows strong potential as a natural protective agent against pesticide-induced toxicity, highlighting its value in reducing the harmful impacts of synthetic agrochemicals on aquatic organisms and, by extension, the environment.