Quantification of phytochemicals in Muli bamboo [Melocanna baccifera (Roxb.) Kurz] leaf and shoot extracts and immunomodulatory effect of dietary ethanolic leaves extract on Labeo rohita (Hamilton)

Abstract

Traditionally, bamboo has immense medicinal values owing to their rich bioactive compounds. On the other hand, scientific developments in global aquaculture have revealed the significance of dietary nutraceuticals in aquaculture. In this study, efforts have been made to evaluate the properties of shoot and leaf extracts of Melocanna baccifera (Roxb.) Kurz (Muli bamboo) and demonstrated its immunomodulatory potential. At first, four different extracts of bamboo leaf and shoot were prepared through water and ethanolic solvents followed by phytochemical profiling, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of extracts. Based on the in vitro evaluation, BLAL (bamboo leaf alcoholic) extract was chosen for further in vivo evaluation. Second experiment was carried to assess the toxicity of BLAL extract on the Indian major carp, Labeo rohita (Hamilton), locally called ‘rohu’. No mortality was observed up to 20 g of extract kg-1 body weight. Additionally, haemolytic assay was also conducted to ascertain the cellular toxicity of extract. Third experiment was conducted to find out the effect of dietary BLAL extract [doses: control (0.0%), T1 (0.01%), T2 (0.1%) and T3 (1%) of extract kg-1 feed] on immune related genes (HSP70, IL-1β and TNF-α) expression in L. rohita. The present study confirms the presence of vital phytochemicals in bamboo extracts and immunomodulatory potential of ethanolic leaf extract in rohu.