Preprint / Version 1

Immunogenic Effects of Dietary Terminalia arjuna Bark Powder in Labeo rohita, a Fish Model: Elucidated by an Integrated Biomarker Response Approach

Authors

  • Dharmendra Meena ICAR—Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore 700120, India
  • Soumya Panda ICAR—Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore 700120, India
  • Amiya Sahoo ICAR—Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore 700120, India
  • Prem Srivastava Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai 400061, India
  • Narottam Sahu Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai 400061, India
  • Mala Kumari ICAR—Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore 700120, India
  • Smruti Samantaray ICAR—Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore 700120, India
  • Simanku Borah ICAR—Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore 700120, India
  • Basanta Das ICAR—Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore 700120, India

Keywords:

circular bioeconomy, integrated biomarker response approach, Terminalia arjuna, green food products

Abstract

Simple Summary It is widely believed that aquaculture has the greatest potential to provide both economic and nutritional security. Bacterial infections in the culture system result from intensified aquaculture methods, resulting in a significant economic loss for fishermen. Because antibiotics are the standard treatment for bacterial infections in Southeastern countries, antimicrobial resistance has emerged as a major health concern. Herbal remedies are being promoted as a replacement for the undesired medicines. In Ayurveda, the Terminalia arjuna plant is considered a “miracle plant” since it has been used for centuries to treat serious illnesses in humans. However, applications in aquaculture remain in their early stage. The purpose of this study is to assess the therapeutic value of incorporating powdered Terminalia arjuna bark with Labeo rohita. Based on the findings, the researchers suggest adding Terminalia arjuna bark powder to fish food at a rate of 12.3 g·kg−1 (as determined by the broken line regression equation) to help the fish become resistant to disease. Utilizing agro-industrial waste and herbal products to create a circular bioeconomy is becoming increasingly popular. Terminalia arjuna is a significant ethnomedicinal plant that has not yet been exploited in animal feed. In the present study, nutritional Terminalia arjuna bark powder-based fish feed was created and supplied to a candidate fish species Labeo rohita at varied levels: 0% (0 g/kg), 0.5% (5 g/kg), 1% (10 g/kg), and 1.5% (15 g/kg). These treatment groups are denoted as CT, T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Utilizing a contemporary comprehensive biomarker response strategy, the study clarified the genomic influence of dietary herb inclusion. In response to bacterial infection, the immunogenic genes, STAT 1 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 1), ISG 15 (interferon stimulating gene), and Mx “myxovirus resistance gene”, were shown to be elevated. The results of densitometry demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in STAT 1 and ISG 15, with Mx exhibiting maximal values at 1 g/kg TABP (Terminalia arjuna bark powder-based feed). This is the first study to identify TABP as an immunomodulator in fish and established the IBR (Integrated Bio-marker Response) as a reliable marker in evaluating the impact of multiple drivers in a holistic manner. Thus, the present study cleared the path for TABP to be utilized as an effective feed additive which enhances the specific adaptive immune system of the fish for the production of the Green fish product for a sustainable circular bioeconomy. Keywords: circular bioeconomy, integrated biomarker response approach, Terminalia arjuna, green food products

Author Biographies

Dharmendra Meena, ICAR—Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore 700120, India

Methodology, Investigation, Data curation, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing

Soumya Panda, ICAR—Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore 700120, India

Formal analysis

Amiya Sahoo, ICAR—Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore 700120, India

Methodology, Formal analysis, Writing – review & editing

Prem Srivastava, Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai 400061, India

Investigation, Data curation, Supervision

Narottam Sahu, Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai 400061, India

Conceptualization, Validation, Resources, Writing – review & editing, Supervision

Mala Kumari, ICAR—Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore 700120, India

Resources, Data curation

Smruti Samantaray, ICAR—Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore 700120, India

Methodology, Formal analysis

Simanku Borah, ICAR—Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore 700120, India

Software, Formal analysis

Basanta Das, ICAR—Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore 700120, India

Conceptualization, Writing – review & editing, Supervision, Project administration, Funding acquisition

Downloads