Title : ( Growth performance, blood biochemistry, gene expression, gonad histology, and sexual parameters in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fed diets supplemented with Tribulus terrestris extract )
Authors: Hamidreza Ahmadniaye Motlagh , Banaee , Davar Shahsavani , Hossein Nourani , Ali Javadmanesh , Mehrdad Sarkheil ,
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of dietary Tribulus terrestris extract (0, 100, 1000, or 2000 mg/kg) on growth, health, and reproductive physiology in common carp (Cypri- nus carpio). Over 60 days, fish fed 100 and 1000 mg/kg exhibited higher survival rates (P < 0.05), though growth metrics (final weight, FCR, SGR) remained unchanged (P > 0.05). Reproductive indices displayed sex-specific responses: males showed elevated gonadosomatic index (GSI) at 100–1000 mg/kg, while females had increased GSI at 2000 mg/kg (P < 0.05). T. terrestris extract at 1000 mg/kg significantly reduced female GSI (P < 0.05), while no dose increased male testosterone, suggesting species- and sex-specific efficacy. Blood biochemistry revealed dose-dependent effects, including elevated triglyc- erides (males, 2000 mg/kg; females, 1000–2000 mg/kg), cholesterol peaking at 100 mg/ kg (both sexes), and reduced globulin levels (P < 0.05). Liver function markers SGOT and SGPT increased at higher doses (P < 0.05), while alkaline phosphatase (ALP) decreased at 1000–2000 mg/kg, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) declined in males at 1000 mg/kg. Gene expression analysis highlighted significant upregulation of ovarian NRF2 (linked to oxidative stress response), whereas GDF9 (critical for folliculogenesis) remained unaf- fected. Histologically, T. terrestris enhanced spermatogenic maturity (increased spermato- cytes/spermatozoa) and delayed ovarian development in females at 1000 mg/kg, correlating with reduced estradiol (P < 0.05). These findings underscore T. terrestris as a multifunc- tional supplement for modulating male reproductive performance and female sexual matu- ration in aquaculture, with implications for broodstock management.
Keywords
Tribulus terrestris · Cyprinus carpio · Blood biochemical parameters · Sex hormones@article{paperid:1103081,
author = {Ahmadniaye Motlagh, Hamidreza and مهدی بنایی and Shahsavani, Davar and Nourani, Hossein and Javadmanesh, Ali and Sarkheil, Mehrdad},
title = {Growth performance, blood biochemistry, gene expression, gonad histology, and sexual parameters in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fed diets supplemented with Tribulus terrestris extract},
journal = {Aquaculture International},
year = {2025},
volume = {33},
number = {5},
month = {May},
issn = {0967-6120},
keywords = {Tribulus terrestris · Cyprinus carpio · Blood biochemical parameters · Sex
hormones},
}
%0 Journal Article
%T Growth performance, blood biochemistry, gene expression, gonad histology, and sexual parameters in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fed diets supplemented with Tribulus terrestris extract
%A Ahmadniaye Motlagh, Hamidreza
%A مهدی بنایی
%A Shahsavani, Davar
%A Nourani, Hossein
%A Javadmanesh, Ali
%A Sarkheil, Mehrdad
%J Aquaculture International
%@ 0967-6120
%D 2025