Calotropis procera L. is known as medicinal plant. The Phytochemical analyzes of its latex revealed that it
possessed antioxidants, namely terpenes, phenolic compounds and cardenolides, flavonoids and saponins,
while tannins, alkaloids and resin were absent in moderate to high concentration. In the present
study, the role of latex of Calotropis procera as antioxidant and antiapoptotic was reported. To carry out
this aim, fishes were exposed to 100 mg l
1 4-nonylphenol as chemical pollutant. The enzymes, superoxidase
dismutase, catalase, acetlycholinstrase (AchE), glutathione s-transferase, cortisol, G6PDH) and
apoptotic cells increased significantly (po0.05) accompanied by irregular disturbance of (Naþ, Kþ) ions
in the presence of 4-nonylphenol. On the other hand, these enzymes, ions, and apoptotic cells decreased
normally and significantly (po0.05) in the presence of latex. Total phenol content, total capacity antioxidant,
reducing power decrease significantly (po0.05) in the presence of 4-nonylphenol and increase
normally in the presence of latex. Latex was used for the first time to protect catfish after 4-nonylphenol
exposure. Our study confirms that crude latex of Calotropis procera possessed antioxidant and antiapoptotic
activities against the toxicity of 4-Nonylphenol.