Abstract: The present communication deals with individual and synergistic curative effect of caffeine and L-ascorbic acid
in arsenic induced toxicity in an experimental model, freshwater bivalve, Lamellidens corrianus. The effect on bivalve was
studied under nine groups. From each treated and recovery groups, some bivalves were removed and RNA contents in
selected tissues of bivalves were estimated. The RNA level was significantly decreased on exposure to arsenic while the
decrease in presence of caffeine + ascorbic acid was less when exposed simultaneously than when exposed individually.
During recovery RNA contents recovered and the rate of recovery was faster in caffeine + ascorbic acid exposed bivalves
as compared to those recovered individually and in normal water. The probable role of the caffeine (1,3,7-
Trimethylexanthine) and L-ascorbic acid is discussed in the paper.
Keywords: cure, caffeine, L-ascorbic acid, arsenic, RNA, Lamellidens corrianus