Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Aquaculture International, cilt.34, sa.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
This study evaluated the toxicological impact of waterborne boric acid and the protective effects of dietary Nigella sativa (black cumin) oil in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). After determining the 96-h LC50 of boric acid (176.446 mg/L), fish were chronically exposed to 1/20 LC50 for 21 days. Hematological analysis revealed significant reductions in RBC, Hb, and Hct in the boric acid group (BA3), indicating anemia and impaired oxygen transport, whereas supplementation with 1% N. sativa oil (BA4) restored these indices toward control levels. Boric acid exposure markedly elevated hepatic enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) and metabolic indicators (glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol), while BA4 demonstrated hepatoprotective effects by reducing enzyme levels and normalizing serum biochemistry. Oxidative stress assessment showed increased lipid peroxidation (MDA) and reduced antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, GPx) in BA3, whereas N. sativa supplementation enhanced antioxidant defense and decreased MDA levels. Histopathologically, boric acid caused severe lesions including lamellar epithelial separation, hepatocyte vacuolization, sinusoidal hemorrhage, renal tubular degeneration, and glomerular congestion. These lesions were substantially attenuated in BA4, with minimal tissue alterations. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that N. sativa oil exerts hematoprotective, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant effects, mitigating boric acid–induced physiological and cellular damage in Nile tilapia, and highlight its potential as a functional dietary additive for sustainable aquaculture.