Back to Search Start Over

Terminalia arjuna Bark Powder as a Potential Immunomodulator in Labeo rohita: Enhanced Hematological, Adaptive, and Humoral Responses against Bacterial Pathogens and Concordant Liver Histomorphology

Authors :
Dharmendra Kumar Meena
Basanta Kumar Das
Amiya Kumar Sahoo
Narottam Prasad Sahu
Prem Prakash Srivastava
Simanku Borah
Source :
Pathogens, Vol 13, Iss 4, p 295 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

This study investigated the dietary immunomodulatory effects of Terminalia arjuna bark powder (TABP) in Labeo rohita, a freshwater fish model. Four iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric diets containing graded levels of TABP (0, 1, 10, and 15 g/kg were fed to fish for 90 days, followed by a 10 day challenge with pathogenic bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila and Edwardsiella tarda. An integrated biomarker response (IBR) approach assessed the impact of TABP on hematological, adaptive, and humoral immune parameters, along with liver histomorphology. Dietary TABP at 10 g/kg significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) hematological indices (hemoglobin, red blood cell count, hematocrit), specific immune parameters (lysosomal enzyme activity, phagocytosis, respiratory burst), and non-specific immune parameters (serum lysozyme, alternative complement activity), and exhibited improvements in liver architecture consistent with the enhanced immune response. Broken line regression analysis showed 11.5 g/kg to be an optimum dose. However, at 15 g/kg, a compromised trend was observed in some parameters. These findings suggest an optimal dosage range for TABP’s immunomodulatory effects. The study highlights the potential of TABP as a natural immunomodulator in fish aquaculture. The improved immune response and concomitant liver health observed in Labeo rohita opens avenues for further research on TABP’s applicability in animal health, using fish as a model organism. Additionally, the IBR approach proved effective in evaluating TABP’s immunomodulatory properties, paving the way for similar studies on other natural products in aquaculture.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20760817
Volume :
13
Issue :
4
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Pathogens
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.542475c0a81c4162a57c927cb906f939
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13040295