Scientists tested whether a natural plant powder called Phyllanthus emblica (PE) could help red tilapia fish grow better and fight off disease. They fed 240 fish different amounts of this powder mixed into their food for 70 days, then challenged them with a harmful fungus. The results showed that fish getting the right amount of PE powder grew faster, had better digestion, stronger immune systems, and better protection against disease. This research suggests that using this natural plant powder could help fish farms grow healthier fish without relying on artificial chemicals.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether adding a natural plant powder (made from Indian gooseberry) to fish food could help red tilapia grow bigger, develop stronger immune systems, and resist disease better.
  • Who participated: 240 young red tilapia fish (each weighing about 25 grams) divided into 12 groups. Each group received different amounts of the plant powder mixed into their regular fish food.
  • Key finding: Fish that received a moderate amount of the plant powder (5 grams per kilogram of food) grew the fastest and converted food into body weight most efficiently. Fish that received higher amounts (20 grams per kilogram) developed the strongest immune systems and disease resistance.
  • What it means for you: If you eat farmed tilapia, this research suggests that fish farmers could use natural plant-based supplements instead of artificial additives to produce healthier fish. This may lead to better-quality fish with improved nutritional value available at your grocery store.

The Research Details

Researchers conducted a controlled experiment with red tilapia fish over 70 days. They divided 240 fish into four equal groups and fed each group the same basic diet, but with different amounts of Phyllanthus emblica powder added: no powder (control group), 5 grams per kilogram of food, 10 grams per kilogram, or 20 grams per kilogram. They carefully measured how much the fish grew, how well they converted food into body weight, and how their bodies changed. After 70 days, they exposed all the fish to a harmful fungus called Fusarium oxysporum to see which groups could resist infection best.

The researchers measured many different health markers in the fish, including growth hormones, immune system proteins, antioxidant enzymes (which protect cells from damage), liver and kidney function, and disease resistance. They also examined the fish’s organs under a microscope and tested which genes were turned on or off in response to the plant powder.

This research design is important because it tests a natural alternative to synthetic growth promoters and antibiotics commonly used in fish farming. By measuring multiple health outcomes—not just growth—the study shows whether the plant powder is truly beneficial for the whole fish, not just making them bigger. The disease challenge test is particularly valuable because it shows real-world protection against actual infections.

This study has several strengths: it used a large sample size (240 fish), had multiple treatment groups to compare, measured many different health markers, and included a real disease challenge test. The research was published in Scientific Reports, a well-respected scientific journal. However, the study was conducted in controlled pond conditions, so results might differ slightly in commercial fish farms with different water conditions or management practices.

What the Results Show

Fish receiving 5 grams of plant powder per kilogram of food showed the best growth results. These fish gained more weight, grew faster, and converted their food into body weight more efficiently than all other groups. Their digestive enzymes (lipase and amylase, which break down fats and starches) were significantly higher, meaning they could digest their food better.

Fish receiving 20 grams of plant powder per kilogram of food didn’t grow quite as fast, but they developed the strongest immune systems. Their white blood cells (which fight infection) were more active, and their bodies produced more protective immune proteins. These fish also had the highest levels of antioxidant enzymes, which protect cells from damage.

All fish that received any amount of plant powder had healthier blood work compared to the control group. Their liver and kidney function improved, their cholesterol and triglyceride levels dropped, and their blood sugar stayed more stable. When exposed to the harmful fungus, fish that received the plant powder showed much better disease resistance than the control group.

Under the microscope, researchers found that the plant powder protected the fish’s intestines and liver from damage, keeping these important organs healthier.

Fish receiving plant powder had less fat in their muscles and more mineral content (ash), suggesting the powder helped them build lean muscle instead of storing excess fat. The fish’s organs showed signs of better health—liver and kidney enzymes that indicate damage were significantly lower in treated groups. Gene expression studies revealed that the plant powder activated growth-promoting genes at the 5-gram dose and immune-boosting genes at the 20-gram dose, showing that different amounts trigger different beneficial responses in the fish’s body.

Previous research has shown that Phyllanthus emblica (Indian gooseberry) has antioxidant and immune-boosting properties in other animals and humans. This study is one of the first to systematically test it in farmed fish and shows that these benefits do transfer to aquaculture. The finding that different doses produce different benefits (growth at lower doses, immunity at higher doses) is a new insight that hadn’t been clearly demonstrated before.

This study was conducted in controlled pond conditions, which may not perfectly match large commercial fish farms. The research only tested one type of fish (red tilapia), so results might differ for other fish species. The study lasted 70 days, which is relatively short-term; longer studies would show whether benefits persist over a fish’s entire life. The researchers didn’t test the cost-effectiveness of the plant powder compared to other growth promoters, which would be important for farmers deciding whether to use it. Additionally, the study didn’t examine how the plant powder affects the taste, texture, or nutritional quality of the fish meat that humans eat.

The Bottom Line

Fish farmers should consider using 5 grams of Phyllanthus emblica powder per kilogram of feed if their primary goal is maximizing fish growth and feed efficiency (high confidence). If the goal is strengthening immune function and disease resistance, 20 grams per kilogram appears more effective (moderate to high confidence). Using any amount of the plant powder appears safer and healthier than using no supplement at all (high confidence). However, farmers should conduct small-scale tests on their own farms before switching completely, as local conditions may affect results.

Fish farmers and aquaculture companies should care about this research because it offers a natural alternative to synthetic growth promoters and antibiotics. Consumers who eat farmed tilapia may benefit from potentially healthier fish. Environmental advocates should care because this research supports more sustainable farming practices. People interested in natural health products may find this research relevant, though the study focuses on fish, not humans. People with concerns about antibiotic resistance in food production should appreciate this natural alternative approach.

Fish showed measurable growth improvements within the first few weeks of receiving the plant powder, with the most significant differences appearing by week 4-5 of the 70-day study. Immune system improvements developed more gradually, becoming most pronounced by the end of the 70-day period. In a commercial farm setting, farmers would likely see noticeable growth differences within 4-6 weeks and maximum benefits by 8-10 weeks of feeding.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If you raise fish or manage an aquaculture operation, track weekly weight measurements of your fish and calculate their growth rate. Record the exact amount of plant powder supplement used per kilogram of feed, and monitor feed conversion ratio (how much food produces how much growth). Note any disease incidents or health problems observed.
  • If you’re a fish farmer, start by conducting a small pilot test: divide a small group of fish into two sections, feed one section with the plant powder supplement at 5 grams per kilogram of feed, and keep the other as a control. Track growth and health metrics weekly for 8-10 weeks before deciding whether to scale up to your entire operation.
  • Establish a baseline of your current fish growth rates, feed conversion efficiency, and disease incidents. After introducing the plant powder supplement, continue measuring these same metrics weekly for at least 12 weeks. Compare the results to your baseline to determine if the supplement is working in your specific farm conditions. Keep detailed records of water quality, temperature, and other environmental factors that might affect results.

This research was conducted on red tilapia fish in controlled conditions and may not apply directly to other fish species or different farming environments. While the results are promising, fish farmers should conduct their own small-scale tests before making large changes to their feeding programs. This research does not provide medical advice for humans. Anyone considering using Phyllanthus emblica for personal health should consult with a healthcare provider. The findings suggest potential benefits but do not guarantee results in all situations. Farmers should continue following local regulations and best practices for fish farming while considering this research as one tool among many for improving farm productivity and sustainability.