Devil’s tree flower ( Alstonia scholaris ) extract: positive effects on growth performance and serum biochemical indices in Channa striata (Bloch, 1793)

ABSTRACT Alstonia scholaris (L.) R.Br., a traditional herbal medicine, exhibits many biological activities in humans. Several activities have been confirmed either in vitro or in vivo. The plant might also provide health benefits in other living things. Its pharmacological activities let us expect the essential effects on fish species. To date, A. scholaris activity in Channa striata (Bloch, 1793), an economic farmed fish, has not yet been studied. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of the plant’s flower extract on growth performance and serum biochemical indices in C. striata. The experimental fish were fed with a control diet, comprising 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 mg/kg extract supplement for 90 days. The results showed that the growth indices became significantly different (P < 0.05) after 60 days of the trial. Growth parameters; weight gain, average daily gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and protein efficiency ratio tended to be improved in a dose-dependent manner. Serum ALT and triglyceride were significantly decreased in all treatment groups. Serum glucose was also affected by the extract. The results revealed that A. scholaris flower extract exhibits a beneficial effect on C. striata growth and health. The plant could be further determined as a valuable commodity for the aquaculture industry.