Immunostimulatory Effect of Piper betle Treatment in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Abstract

Several herbal plants demonstrated immunostimulatory activity through the enhancement of growth and level of immunity in freshwater fish. The immunostimulatory activity of methanolic extract of Piper betle in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was evaluated through an experimental feeding with various concentrations of Piper betle extracts (0%, 5%, 10% and 15%). The growth performance, blood serum profile and total bacterial load were determined after four weeks of the experimental feeding. Analyses on the growth performance indicated 5% concentration of Piper betle treatment enhanced both weight and length gain as well the specific growth rate (SGR) in Nile tilapia. A higher level of total serum protein was demonstrated in Nile tilapia that received Piper betle treatment in comparison with the control group. Meanwhile, the glucose level was found greater in the treatment group that received a 10% concentration of Piper betle. Treatment with Piper betle extract at 5% concentration could reduce the cholesterol level in Nile tilapia. Feeding of Nile tilapia at 5% concentration of Piper betle was found able to inhibit the growth of Vibrio spp. The incorporation of 5% of methanolic extract of Piper betle in the daily diet of Nile tilapia was found appropriate to enhance the growth performance and immunostimulatory activity in Nile tilapia.