Question

The toxic ingredient present in the Mahua oil cake is

• A. Saponin
• B. Rotenon
• C. Trypsin
• D. Mimosine

Hint:

Pond Piscicides & Toxins:
Mahua Oil Cake $\rightarrow$ SAPONIN (Mowrin, 2500 kg/ha).
Derris Root Powder $\rightarrow$ ROTENONE (Binds ETC Complex I).
Tea Seed Cake $\rightarrow$ Saponin.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Piscicidal eradication of weed and predatory fishes: Mahua (Madhuca indica) oilcake contains 4--6% toxic triterpenoid saponin (Mowrin) that hemolyzes red blood cells across branchial membranes.
Key Formula or Approach:
\[ \text{Mowrin (Saponin in Mahua Cake, 2000--2500 kg/ha)} \xrightarrow{\text{Gills}} \text{Hemolysis of RBCs} \implies \text{Piscicidal Eradication} \]

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In fish pond management and organic piscicides:
- Mahua Oil Cake (obtained from the seeds of Madhuca indica Madhuca latifolia):
- Used as a dual-action organic piscicide and subsequent nitrogenous pond fertilizer at $2,000 - 2,500\text{ kg/ha-m}$ ($200 - 250\text{ ppm}$).
- The active toxic chemical constituent is Saponin (specifically the triterpenoid saponin 'Mowrin', $4 - 6\%$ content).
- Mowrin dissolves in water, enters fish via gill membranes, and causes rapid lysis and destruction of erythrocyte membranes (hemolysis), asphyxiating predatory/weed fishes within 4 to 8 hours. Its toxicity dissipates naturally within 10--15 days.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, the toxic ingredient present in Mahua oil cake is Saponin, corresponding to option (A).