Effects of dietary Ferula elaeochytris root powder concentrations on haematology, serum biochemical parameters, spermatozoa parameters, and oxidative status in tissues of males goldfish (Carassius auratus)

Abstract

This study evaluates the effects of Ferula elaeochytris, a traditional medicinal herb, root powder (FRP) concentrations (0, 0.5‰, 1‰, 0.5% and 1%) on serum biochemical parameters, hematological profiles, oxidative stress conditions in liver, muscle, gonad, testicular and stripped spermatozoa, and also spermatozoa parameters of adult male goldfish (Carassius auratus). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the effects of FRP on these parameters as being associated with its essential oil contents have been determined. Some important bioactive compounds such as such as 14-β-H-Pregna, α-curcumene, limonene have been determined in FRP. Following a 60-day feeding trial, blood samples were taken and then females were introduced to tanks together with changing photoperiod and water temperature for 10 days to promote spermiation. Results showed that RBC, haemoglobin, and haematocrit levels increased in 1‰ of FRP fed fish compared control group (P < 0.05). Also serum total protein and albumin levels in this group slightly increased (P > 0.05). However, blood parameters were negatively affected in 1% of FRP. Spermatozoa parameters dramatically decreased, even spermiation success could not be achieved in some fish in fish fed with 1% of FRP. Also, 1% of FRP in diet induced oxidative stress conditions in the tissues of this group. These conditions in gonad had a different pattern than those in liver in muscle. The results revealed that dietary 1‰ of FRP could be an advantageous additive while FRP at levels of >0.5% in diet was useless for or has deleterious effects on fish health and reproduction. Based on these results, we conclude that a supplement suitable concentration and analysis of major compounds of medicinal herbs which would use should be taken into consideration when planning to use them in fish diets.