Abstract
Marine leech Zeylanicobdella arugamensis (Piscicolidae), an economically important parasite is infesting predominantly cultured groupers, hybrid groupers and other fish in Southeast Asian countries. In this study, we tested the anti-parasitic potential of a medicinal plant Nephrolepis biserrata found in Sabah, East Malaysia against Z. arugamensis. Various concentrations of methanol extracts of the plant were tested experimentally against Z. arugamensis and disinfestation of the leech from its primary host hybrid groupers. The composition of methanol extract of N. biserrata was determined through LC-QTOF analysis. The significant anti-parasitic activity of 100% mortality of leeches was observed with the exposure of N. biserrata extracts. The average time to kill the leeches at concentrations of 25, 50 and 100 mg/ml was 25.11 ± 3.26, 11.91 ± 0.99, and 4.88 ± 0.50 min., respectively. Further, at various low concentrations of N. biserrata 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/ml, hybrid groupers were disinfested in an average time of 108.33 ± 12.65, 65.83 ± 9.70 and 29.16 ± 5.85 min., respectively. The tandem mass spectrometry data from LC-QTOF indicated some hits on useful bioactive compounds such as terpenoids (ivalin, isovelleral, brassinolide, and eschscholtzxanthin), flavonoids (alnustin, kaempferol 7,4′-dimethyl ether, and pachypodol), phenolics (piscidic acid, chlorogenic acid, and ankorine), and aromatic (3-hydroxycoumarin). Thus N. biserrata can act as a potential biocontrol agent.
Highlights
Groupers of the family Serranidae, are acknowledged as economically-valued marine fish in Asian c ountries[1]
To control the leech infestation, formalin and other chemicals have been utilized by fish farmers, which cannot provide a conducive environment for the eco-friendly aquaculture policy[14]
The olive oil leaf extract has been reported to boost the activation of intestinal digestive enzyme activity and the expression of genes related with growth in brain, liver, muscle and other vital tissues of common carp Cyprinus carpio[26]
Summary
Groupers of the family Serranidae, are acknowledged as economically-valued marine fish in Asian c ountries[1]. Zeylanicobdella arugamensis (Annelida: Hirudinea: Piscicolidae), a marine parasitic leech, distributed throughout the Indian Ocean due to global ecological changes[8] It is considered as a harmful parasite and affects a large number of fish species, can represent stressors for fish and have been associated with reduced food intake, anti-predator behaviour and decreased g rowth[9]. Researchers and farmers are looking for alternative approaches including the medicinal plants for the eco-friendly treatments[13] The natural products such as medicinal plants are possessing anti-inflammatory and antipathogenic properties with minimal toxicity level to fish. The main objectives of the present study were to evaluate the anti-parasitic activity of N. biserrata methanol extract against the leech Z. arugamensis, disinfestation of the hybrid groupers (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus x E.lanceolatus) and chemical composition by LC-QTOF
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
