Evaluation of anesthetic potency of peppermint extract (Mentha piperita) and its physiological and histological effects on the Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) juveniles

ABSTRACT- Anesthesia is a practical method for reducing stress in aquatic organisms. This study assessed the effectiveness of peppermint extract as an herbal anesthetic, along with its physiological and histopathological effects on Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus). Ninety fish were exposed to peppermint extract at concentrations of ۰, ۱۵۰, ۲۵۰, ۵۰۰, ۷۵۰, and ۱۰۰۰ mg/L. To evaluate the effects of the solvent, an additional ۷۵ fish were exposed to ethanol at concentrations of ۴۵۰, ۷۵۰, ۱۵۰۰, ۲۲۵۰, and ۳۰۰۰ mg/L. Ethanol exposure did not produce significant anesthesia, physiological changes, or tissue damage (P > ۰.۰۵). Peppermint extract successfully induced general anesthesia, particularly at concentrations between ۳۰۰ and ۵۰۰ mg/L, with both induction and recovery times averaging under five minutes. However, concentrations above ۵۰۰ mg/L led to hematological changes and moderate tissue damage. Observed lesions included gill hyperplasia, congestion, epithelial lifting, liver degeneration and vacuolization, and necrosis in kidney tubules. Hematological analysis showed significant increases in hematocrit and hemoglobin levels, indicating possible stress or respiratory impairment, while red blood cell and white blood cell counts remained unchanged compared to the controls. A concentration of ۱۵۰ mg/L was effective in reducing stress, while ۳۰۰–۵۰۰ mg/L is recommended for achieving optimal anesthesia.

کلیدواژه ها:

Anesthesia ، Freshwater fish ، Herbal extract ، Toxicity