Influences of traditional Chinese medicine on non-specific immunity of Jian Carp ( Cyprinus carpio var . Jian)

Abstract

The influence of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulation from Astragalus Root ( Radix astragalin seu Hedysari) and Chinese Angelica Root ( R. Angelicae Sinensis) at a ratio of 5:1 (w/w) on non-specific immunity of Jian carp, Cyprinus carpio var . Jian was investigated. The number of NBT-positive cells in the blood and lysozyme and complement activities in the serum of Carp fed with commercial feed supplemented with 1.0% (diet 1) and 1.5% (diet 2) TCM at 10 day of post-feeding were not different from those of the control group fed with feed unsupplemented TCM 10 days post-feeding ( P>0.05), but at 20 and 30 days they increased significantly ( P<0.05). The values of diet 1 group and diet 2 group at 20 day and at 30 day were not significantly different ( P>0.05) from each other. In addition, the TCM formula increased body weight of experimental fish by about 16.84% (diet 1) and 19% (diet 2) above that of the control group. Therefore, these data suggest that the TCM formula could elevate the function of non-specific immunity of Jian carp. The optimal dosage added to commercial carp feed was 1.0% (w/w) and the oral administration time as a course of treatment was 20 days.