Haematological Response of Clarias gariepinus to Crude Extract of Azadirachta indica

Neem also known as Azadirachta indica scientifically belong to the mahogamy family Maliaceae. Neem is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 25-30m (Biswas et al., 2002). It is also drought resistant, but in severe drought, it may shed most or nearly all of its leaves. Neem; Azadirachta indica has both enormous scientific and traditional uses. Different parts of the plants are used in the manufacture of organic fertilizer, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, traditional herbal medicines and animal feeds. A. indica is one of the most promising medicinal plants having a wide spectrum of biological activity and well known for its insecticidal properties (ICAR, 1993). Every part of neem is known to possess some wide range pharmacological properties, especially as antifungal, antiulcer, repellant, pesticidal, moluscicidal, ecdystone inhibitor and sterilant and is thus commercially exploitable (Biswas et al., 2002).
    The soluble part of neem-based extracts contains hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and antifertility activities (Chattopadhyay et al., 1993). The use of neem plant for biopesticide may enter into the various water resources which may be hazardous to non-target organisms (Schroder, 1992). 
The recent application of medicinal plant such as neem (A. indica) in the management of agricultural ponds is becoming more important due to the fact that those medicinal plants are safe, effective, inexpensive and widely available to produce fish free from any chemical of public health hazards.