Effects of artichoke (Cynara scolymus) polyphenolic extract on growth, antioxidants and some immune parameters in common carp (Cyprinus carpio).

Abstract

In this research, Cyprinus carpio juveniles were fed with experimental diets containing different levels of artichoke polyphenolic leaf extract (ALE) 0 (Control), 0.5, 1, and 2 g/kg over eight weeks. After eight weeks, haemato-immunological parameters, growth performance, immune parameters and antioxidant defense were measured. The administration of varying levels of ALE had no significant effects on growth parameters compared to the control group. However, haematological parameters were significantly elevated compared to the control group. Immune parameters such as serum lysozyme, mucus lysozyme, serum and mucus total immunoglobulin, as well as serum alternative complement activity and bactericidal activity of ALE-treated carps, showed a notable increase in comparison to the CTRL group. Also, the agglutination titer of serum and mucus in ALE fed carps were significantly higher than CTRL group. Feeding with varying levels of ALE (0.5, 1, and 2 g/kg) significantly enhanced the activities of serum antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase in all groups, catalase in the 0.5 and 2 g/kg groups, and glutathione peroxidase in the 1 and 2 g/kg groups, compared to the control group. The results of this study demonstrate that dietary supplementation with ALE at 0.5-2 g/kg positively influences immune and antioxidant factors in Cyprinus carpio, with the most pronounced effects observed at 1 and 2 g/kg. These findings suggest that artichoke polyphenolic extract, particularly at higher dosages, has potential as an effective feed additive to enhance immunity and antioxidant capacity in carp farming.