Assessment of Immunostimulatory Characteristics of Achyranthes aspera Seeds and Leaves Supplemented Diets in Labeo rohita Fingerlings

Abstract

The effect of dietary supplementation of leaves and seeds of Achyranthes aspera on rohu, Labeo rohita fingerlings was evaluated. Three experimental diets containing 0.25 (D1) and 0.5% (D2) leaves and 0.5% (D3) seeds of A. aspera and control diet (D4) without plant ingredients were formulated. After 45 days of feeding, rohu were immunized with 20% chicken RBC. Tissue and blood samples were collected on days7, 14 and 21 after immunization. Dietary supplementation significantly (P<0.05) increased the average weight and specific growth rate of rohu. Serum lysozyme, myeloperoxidase, hemagglutination titer and nitric oxide synthase activities were significantly (P<0.05) higher in D3 compared to others. This group was followed by D2 and D1. Significantly (P<0.05) lower lipid and protein oxidations were found in D3 compared to others. This group was followed by D2 and D1. In hepatopancreas, lysozyme C, lysozyme G, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) expressions were up-regulated while interleukin-10 (IL-10) expression was downregulated. In anterior kidney, lysozyme C, lysozyme G and IL-10 expressions were upregulated while TNF-α and IL-1β expressions were down-regulated. The dietary inclusion of leaves and seeds of A. aspera enhanced the growth, improved immune system and reduced oxidative stress of rohu.