Effects of dietary supplementation of Kakuti, Ziziphora clinopodioides, extract on enzymatic and antioxidant parameters of the plasma of common carp, Cyprinus carpio

Kakuti, Ziziphora clinopodioides, is a medicinal herb found in Iran, but its potential benefits have not been studied on fish. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Kakuti aqueous extract on the plasma antioxidant and enzymatic parameters in common carp, Cyprinus carpio. The aqueous extract was prepared by boiling Kakuti leaves for 2h. Four diets containing %0 (Ctrl), %0.5 (0.5E), %1 (1E), and %2 (2E) of Kakuti extract were fed to fish within a 60-day period. For each diet, three tanks, each with 15 fish with initial weight of 46.2±0.16g, were assigned. Then, blood samples were taken from all treatments to assess plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glucose, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA). The results showed that %1 Kakuti extract significantly decreased plasma AST and ALP, but increased CAT activities. There was no significant effect of dietary treatments on plasma ALT activity. 0.5 and %1 Kakuti extract decreased plasma glucose levels significantly, but increased plasma SOD activity. 1 and %2 Kakuti extract decreased plasma MDA levels significantly. According to the results, Kakuti extract is capable of augmenting antioxidant strength, that in turn, may be the reason for boosted tissue health in common carp. Dietary %1 Kakuti extract is recommended for inclusion in common carp diet.