Effect of dietary Medicago sativa extract on hepato-renal indicators, intestinal mucosal morphology and serum bactericidal activity in Cyprinus carpio fingerlings

Plant extracts and powders have recently been used as alternatives to chemical drugs in aquaculture, but due to the presence of antinutritional factors, their use is still limited and dose-dependent. To address this issue, the present study intended to investigate the effects of Alfalfa, Medicago sativa extract on health status in terms of hepato-renal enzymes, intestinal mucosal health, and serum bactericidal activity in common carp, Cyprinus carpio fingerlings. Fish (weighing 6.51 ± 0.3 g) were divided into five dietary treatment groups and fed with experimental diets for 60 days. Following completion of the experimental trial, final weight, hepato-renal indicator enzymes, intestinal mucosal morphology and serum bactericidal activity were observed. While the SGPT levels did not vary significantly (P<0.05) among groups, fish in T₄ had considerably (P<0.05) low SGOT and ALP levels. In addition, dietary M. sativa treatment impacted serum creatinine levels. No significant variations were detected in the appearance of the intestinal mucosa or the shape of the villi. In M. sativa treated groups, serum bactericidal activity significantly (P<0.05) increased with the increase in extract concentration. The current findings clearly show that M. sativa possesses antioxidant and immune regulating properties, with no adverse effects on intestinal health, and might be a viable alternative to chemical medicines and antibiotics in aquaculture.