Therapeutic potential of Piper aduncum leaf extract in the control of monogeneans in tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum)

• Published in: Aquaculture Vol. 552; p. 738024
• Main Authors: de Queiroz, Marieta Nascimento, dos Santos Torres, Zelina Estevam, Pohlit, Adrian Martin, Ono, Eduardo Akifumi, Affonso, Elizabeth Gusmão
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.04.2022
• Subjects: Amazon; Aquaculture; Fish parasites; Herbal medicine; Herbal medicine; Amazon; Aquaculture; Fish parasites
• ISSN: 0044-8486; 1873-5622
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2022.738024

Piper aduncum is a native plant that of the Amazon with important medicinal properties and is a sustainable source of raw material for the pharmaceutical industry. The ethanol extract of this plant was evaluated for its ability to control monogeneans of Colossoma macropomum, using in vitro and in vivo tests, lethal concentration (LC50–24h) determination. Phytochemical screening and an in vitro test were performed, and the substance was found effective in both analyses. Testing using various doses revealed the lethal concentration (LC50–24h) of the ethanol extract in tambaqui as 79 mg L−1. The in vivo test, using two baths, with a basal bath (without parasites and treatment), two controls (water and water with methanol), and 40 and 60 mg L−1 of extract, demonstrated effectiveness of 85.89 and 99.21%, respectively. An increase in hematocrit (Ht) and hemoglobin ([Hb]) was observed in the treatments compared to the two controls, along with hyperglycemia, and increases in plasma cortisol by 60 mg L−1. The results suggest that 60 mg L−1 of the ethanol extract is effective for controlling tambaqui monogeneans, without compromising fish health and survival, indicating its anthelmintic potential for the aquaculture industry. •Ethanol extract of Piper aduncum is effective (99.2%) to control monogeneans in tambaqui.•Dillapiole is the main substance in P. aduncum ethanol extract.•Ethanol extract (60 mg L−1) caused minor physiological changes to the fish.•Anacanthorus spathulatus presented the highest mean prevalence and abundance in fish.