Effects of sage (Salvia officinalis) essential oil on growth, health and antioxidant capacity of common carp (Cyprinus carpio).

In the study, effects of S. officinalis essential oil on growth performance, health and antioxidant activity in C. carpio were investigated. The fish (13 ± 0.21 g) were fed with diet containing 1 and 3 ml kg of sage oil for 60 days. At the end of study, growth performance was not affected in fish fed with sage essential oil (p > 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in hepatopancreas increased with addition of 1ml kg sage oil to the diet. However, Catalase (CAT) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) values were not significantly altered in common carp. Total protein, albumin, glucose and hepatopancreas enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP)) in blood serum were not affected by sage essential oil supplementation. At the histological examinations, no pathological findings were observed in hepatopancreas and intestine of carp. Goblet cells number and villi length in intestine increased with sage supplementation (p < 0.001). In addition, fertility, granulation and number of follicles increased in common carp fed with sage essential oil. Mortality after challenged with A. hydrophila was not observed in carp fed with 1ml kg concentration of sage essential oil. As a result, use of sage oil can be recommended in carp farming to improve gut health, provide disease resistance against A. hydrophila infection, and increase of fertility.