Abstract: Cestrum nocturnum (CN) and Cestrum diurnum (CD) extracts are well-reported piscicides. Before its use in fisheries for removal of predatory and trash fishes, it’s of most importance to study toxicological impacts on fishes. Both these plant extracts contain saponin as a poisonous constituent. Clarias batrachus was exposed to CN extract (LC10= 1.9 mg/lit, LC50 = 3.5 mg/lit) and CD extract (LC10= 2.6mg/lit, LC50 = 4.4 mg/lit) for 48 hrs duration. Protein changes in muscles, liver and intestine were analyzed after exposure period. Toxic effect of these two piscicides caused a remarkable increase in protein at sub lethal concentration. The chronic application of lower dose of saponin containing extract may have initiated protein synthesis.

Keywords: Protein profile, Clarias batrachus, Cestrum nocturnum, Cestrum diurnum.