Effect of Phyllanthus niruri leaf extracts on growth parameters of freshwater fish Labeo rohita (Rohu)

Abstract

Introduction: Nowadays, herbal extracts of the medicinal plants are important in the aquaculture sector for the enhancement of growth and reproductive factors of freshwater fishes. In India, Labeo rohita is one of the most commonly cultured freshwater fish (rohu) for human consumption.

Objectives: To analyze the effect of aqueous extracts of P. niruri on the growth parameters of freshwater fish Labeo rohita

Methods: Phyllanthus niruri (Family: Euphorbiaceae) has various pharmacological properties due to their phytocompounds which are used to treat various ailments. After acclimatization, the L. rohita adult fishes (n=6) were treated aqueous leaf extracts of P. niruri (T1-5mg/gm, T2-10mg/gm, T3-20mg/gm, T4-40mg/gm and T5-80mg/gm) based diet for 30 days.

Results: Phytochemical screening showed positive results for alkaloids, phenols, terpenoids, saponins, steroids, tannins and flavonoids. Growth parameters such as WG, ADG, SGR, FCR and SR were studied. When compared to the control group rohu fishes, the treated group fish growth parameters were quite improved which resulted the enhanced growth in the aqueous leaf extracts of P. niruri treated L. rohita fishes.

Conclusions: The phytochemical makeup of the P. niruri leaf was responsible for the fishes increased growth. Therefore, it might be concluded that using this plant as an ingredient in fish food may increase aquaculture productivity.