Effect of dietary intake of Phyllanthus niruri L. on fingerlings of freshwater fish, Cyprinus carpio L

Abstract

The aim of the present investigation was to elucidate the growth promoting effect and immunostimulatory role of the medicinal plant, Phyllanthus niruri on the freshwater fish, Cyprinus carpio. Bioenergetics, biochemical constituents (muscle, whole body, serum) and histological (intestine, liver) parameters of the fish C. carpio was evaluated to understand the effect of P. niruri supplemented diet. Incorporation of 1 and 2 % of P. niruri in the feed enhanced the consumption rate, assimilation and conversion efficiency, protein, carbohydrate and lipid content in muscle, whole body and serum of the fish, C. carpio. Histological analysis of the liver and intestine showed a normal architecture suggesting it as an effective dietary formulation. The results of challenge test suggest that the fishes fed with 2 % P. niruri diet had better immunostimulatory activity compared to the control group. Thus, our finding confirms our contention that P. niruri is a growth promoter and immunostimulator.