Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) roots and leaves Powder on Immunity and Male Fertility of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Abstract

The Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) plant contains a variety of bioactive compounds and their derivatives, making it a hematopoietic, natural antioxidant, and immunostimulant having aphrodisiac activity. In the current study, an effort was made to investigate the effect of Ashwagandha (W. somnifera) root and leaves powder supplemented diet for 80 days experimental trial on the immunity and fertility of male Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The study was conducted in replicate of three and 21 fiber tank (500 liter capacity) were randomly divided into 7 group. A control group fed 32% CP diet without any supplement, while L5, L1. L5, L10, L15 groups were fed diets supplemented with graded level of W. somnifera leaves powder. Similarly, R5, R10, R15 were fed diet supplements with similar supplements of roots powder. The result indicated significant (P<0.05) effect of both supplemented forms (leaves and root powder) on growth performance (WG, SGR), FCR, antioxidant enzymes of testicular tissues, immunity, hematological indices and hormonal profile (Cortisol and testosterone) of O. niloticus. However, (R15 group) 15g of root show more significant (P<0.05) effect on growth performance compared to all other groups. The antioxidant enzymes of testicular tissues, immunity, hematological indices and hormonal profile were significantly (P<0.05) effect by 15g of root powder. Comparison between leaves and root powder indicates the most significant effect of root powder. Moreover, root powder shows dose dependent effect on all studies parameters while leaves show variable effect on different parameters. Therefore, it is concluded that root powder could be used to improve the immunity and fertility of Male Nile tilapia.