Effect of Curcuma longa on Non-specific immunological profile of Indian Snakehead Channa punctatus infected with Aeromonas hydrophila

Abstract

Curcumin, an Orange Yellow phytochemical, hydrophobic and polyphenolic compound of Turmeric (Curcuma longa.Linn.) has been known to be a potent immunomodulatory agent in many animal species. The aim of our study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory properties and disease resistance against opportunistic pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila in Channa punctatus. Fishes were challenged intraperitoneally with a dose of A. hydrophila(1 ×108 cells/ ml.). Immunocompromised fishes were given three different doses of Curcumin viz. 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 1.5 mg / 100gm of body weight respectively. Treated Fishes were sacrificed on 3, 5,7 and 10 day after the dose was given and various Non specific immune parameters were assessed viz. Percentage Phagocytosis, Phagocytic Index, Lysozyme assay, Bactericidal activity and Superoxide anion Production. All the Nonspecific parameters were enhanced significantly. Maximum enhancement was seen on the 5th day with a dose of 1mg/ 100gm body weight and the same dose also showed maximum disease resistance as compared to other two doses.