This study was designed to investigate the protective effect of Withania somnifera(L)(Ashwagandha)root extract on liver tissue damage caused by DEHP. Experimental animals were grouped into two i.e. Control and DEHP treated. Exposed group was treated with 0.4 ug/l of di-ethylhexyl phthalate for 3 months. After 3 months the changes were observed both histologically and ultrasrtucturally. Channa punctatus showed the toxic effects of the toxic agent DEHP causing complete dilation of hepatocytes,fish of DEHP group showed severe degenerative and necrotic changes in most hepatocytes. Necrosis detectable in the form vaculated cytoplasm with pyknotic, karyorrhetic or karyolytic nuclei. Some hepatocytes showed nuclei with chromatin margination and dark eosinophilic cytoplasm which was seen in light microscope as well as ultrastructurally changes showed swollen mitochondria, degenerated nucleus and total loss of membrane integrity observed condition shows necrosis with loss of ER, nucleus ,mitochondria. However, Ashwagandha treated group(ART GR) showed signs of ameliorated condition with rejuvenation of nuclues , ribosomes , endoplsmic reticulum. The treated group was then fed with ashwagandha root extracts of 300mg/kg for 2 months. When ashwagandha was administered for 2 months damages seems to be recoverd showing quite normal mitochondria, nucleus in normal state.
