Administration of a herbal immunoregulation mixture enhances some immune parameters in carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Abstract

The herbal immunoregulation mixture (HIRM) were extracts of several traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs): Astragalus membranaceus (from the root and stem), Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (from the root), Isatis tinctoria L. (from the root), Glycyrrhiza glabra (from the stem). Immune parameters, which included macrophage phagocytic activity, macrophage reactive oxygen species (ROS), activity of serum lysozyme, nitric oxide synthetase (NOS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), levels of total serum protein, globulin, albumin, triglyceride and cholesterol, were determined in carp that had been fed diets containing HIRM at 0.5% or 1% for 30 days. The results showed that, compared with those in the control group, the diets with 0.5% and 1% HIRM resulted in significant increase in macrophage phagocytic activity, macrophage ROS and the levels of total protein, globulin, albumin and NOS activity in serum (P 0.05). On the other hand, 0.5% HIRM led to evident enhancement of NOS activity and cholesterol level compared to 1% HIRM. These results indicated that HIRM might elevate the function of immunity in carp (Cyprinus carpio).