Exploring the toxicological and beneficial effects of 4,5,6-Trimethoxy-2,3-diphenyl indole on Labeo rohita fingerlings

The aim of this research was to examine the potential toxic or beneficial impacts of 4,5,6-Trimethoxy-2,3-diphenyl indole on fingerlings of Labeo rohita when administered in water. The study involved four groups of Labeo rohita fish (n = 40) exposed to varying water-borne concentrations (0.00, 32.08, 48.13 and 96.26 mg/L) of 4,5,6-Trimethoxy-2,3-diphenyl indole over a fourteen day period. The fish were maintained under standard living conditions to minimize stress. Histological examination of the brain and gills revealed abnormal tissue structure only in the high-concentration group. The high-concentration group displayed aneurysms, degenerative changes, blood vessel congestion, and structural degeneration in the gills, while the brain exhibited necrosis, pyknosis, hemorrhage, degenerative changes and vacuolization. Levels of glutathione (GSH) decreased in both gills and brain, malondialdehyde (MDA) increased in gills but decreased in the brain, catalase (CAT) decreased in gills but increased in the brain and lipid peroxidase (LPO) significantly increased in both gills and brain only in the high-concentration group. Serum proteins (total proteins, albumin, and globulins) were significantly reduced in the high concentration group. Overall, the study indicated that at a high concentration of 96.26 mg/L through water-borne exposure, 4,5,6-Trimethoxy-2,3-diphenyl indole exhibited toxic effects, while at medium and low concentrations, it demonstrated beneficial effects. The findings suggest that the compound has more beneficial than toxic effects and could be recommended for specific applications to leverage its beneficial properties.