Effect of Henna (Lawsonia inermis) extract on the immunity and survival of common carp, Cyprinus carpio infected with Aeromonas hydrophila

Abstract

Abstract In this study, the immunomodulatory properties of Lawsonia inermis (henna) in common carp, Cyprinus carpio was investigated. Fish were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with 6, 60 or 600 mg kg−1 body weight (BW), of the methanolic soluble fractions of L. inermis. The extract at 60 and 600 mg kg−1 BW, significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced some non-specific immune parameters such as serum lysozyme and bactericidal activity, phagocytic and respiratory burst activity, total leucocyte count (TLC), lymphocyte, monocyte and neutrophil number. Disease resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila has also been improved following herbal treatment. This preliminary study indicates the beneficial effect of L. inermis in improving immune status and controlling infectious diseases in aquaculture.

Keywords

• Lawsonia inermis
• Common carp
• Immune response
• Aeromonas hydrophila
• Disease resistance