Abstract
The supplementation of functional feed in aquafeed can enhance immunity, growth performance and survival rate of fish. Triphala is one of the most popular herbal formulations in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It is rich in gallic, chebulagic and chebulinic acids. Triphala is composed of equal ratios of Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica and Phyllanthus emblica. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of each of the three herbal compounds of triphala, as well as triphala itself, on the growth, immunity and plasma biochemistry of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). We conducted a 60-day growth trial on Nile tilapia using five different dietary groups: control, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, Phyllanthus emblica and triphala. The results showed a negative effect of Terminalia chebula on growth of tilapia, whereas Terminalia chebula and Terminalia bellirica caused signs of abnormal liver health (swollen hepatocytes and absent nuclei), so these two plants appear to have negative effects on fish health when used individually, whereas Phyllanthus emblica and triphala improved growth performance and health of Nile tilapia. Triphala had a positive impact on several plasma biochemical parameters: reduced tChol, triglycerides, LDL, ALT and AST. These results suggest that triphala can improve fish health and boost immunity, without any notable negative side effects, and as such has the potential to be used as a functional feed additive in fish diets. Our results do not support the use of the individual components. The exact mechanisms through which triphala compounds modulate the disease resistance, molecular effects and metabolic responses remain unknown and require further investigations.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.