Scientists tested whether a special seed powder from a plant called Zanthoxylum acanthopodium could help young fish grow better and fight off infections. They fed different groups of fish regular food or food mixed with different amounts of this seed powder for 60 days, then exposed them to a harmful fungus to see how well they could resist it. The fish that ate food with 1% seed powder showed the strongest immune systems and survived better when exposed to the fungus. This research suggests that natural plant supplements might be a good alternative to artificial medicines in fish farming.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether adding a natural seed powder to fish food could help young fish grow faster, develop stronger immune systems, and resist fungal infections better
  • Who participated: Young chocolate mahseer fish (a type of freshwater fish) weighing about 10.5 grams each, divided into 12 tanks with four different diet groups tested in triplicate over 60 days
  • Key finding: Fish fed food containing 1% seed powder showed 65% higher immune cell activity and survived fungal infections much better than fish eating regular food, with disease-causing organisms reduced by 99% in their tissues
  • What it means for you: If you work in fish farming or aquaculture, this suggests using natural seed supplements could reduce the need for artificial medicines while keeping fish healthier. However, this research was done on one specific fish species, so results may differ for other types of fish or animals.

The Research Details

Researchers conducted a controlled experiment where young fish were randomly assigned to four different diet groups: one control group eating regular fish food, and three experimental groups eating the same food mixed with either 0.5%, 1%, or 2% of Zanthoxylum acanthopodium seed powder. The fish were fed these diets for 60 days while researchers measured their growth, health markers, and immune system strength at regular intervals (days 0, 15, 30, and 60). After the feeding period, all fish were exposed to a harmful fungus called Saprolegnia parasitica for 14 days to test how well their immune systems could fight the infection. Researchers measured survival rates and how many disease-causing organisms were present in the fish’s tissues.

This type of study design is considered strong because it uses a control group for comparison and tests multiple dose levels to find the optimal amount. The researchers used proper statistical methods (one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test) to ensure their findings weren’t due to chance, and they used Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to track how many fish survived the disease challenge over time.

The seed powder was first analyzed to identify what active compounds it contained, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids—natural plant chemicals known to have health-promoting properties.

This research approach is important because it bridges the gap between laboratory science and real-world fish farming. By testing a natural supplement in a controlled setting before recommending it for widespread use, researchers can determine safe and effective doses while identifying potential risks. The inclusion of a disease challenge phase is particularly valuable because it tests whether the supplement actually works when fish face real health threats, not just whether it helps them grow.

Strengths of this study include the use of replicate tanks (testing each diet three times), random assignment of fish to groups, and measurement at multiple time points. The researchers used established statistical methods appropriate for this type of experiment. The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal, meaning other experts reviewed it before publication. However, the study was conducted only on one fish species in a laboratory setting, which may limit how well the results apply to other situations or fish types. The sample size appears adequate for detecting differences between groups, though the exact number of fish used wasn’t specified in the abstract.

What the Results Show

The most important finding was that fish receiving 1% seed powder supplementation showed the strongest overall health benefits. Their immune systems were significantly stronger, with lysozyme activity (a key immune marker) being 65% higher than fish eating regular food. This means their bodies were better equipped to fight infections naturally.

When exposed to the harmful fungus, fish that received the 1% seed powder supplement had dramatically better survival rates compared to the control group. Additionally, the amount of disease-causing organisms found in their tissues was reduced by 99% compared to fish eating regular food—dropping from 4.8 million copies per milligram of tissue in control fish to less than 0.05 million in supplemented fish.

Interestingly, the 2% dose (the highest amount tested) was not as effective as the 1% dose, suggesting that more isn’t always better. This is common in nutrition research—there’s often an optimal amount that works best, and exceeding it may reduce benefits.

The fish receiving the seed powder also showed improved growth performance during the 60-day feeding period, though the abstract doesn’t specify the exact growth measurements.

The researchers also analyzed what was actually in the seed powder and found it contained three main types of beneficial compounds: alkaloids (3.45 mg per gram), flavonoids (2.87 mg per gram), and terpenoids (4.12 mg per gram). These are natural plant chemicals that have been shown in other research to support immune function and fight infections. The presence of these compounds helps explain why the seed powder was effective at improving fish health.

This research adds to growing evidence that natural plant supplements can boost immune function and disease resistance in aquatic animals. Previous studies have shown similar benefits from other plant-based supplements in fish farming, but this is one of the first to specifically test Zanthoxylum acanthopodium seeds. The findings align with traditional uses of this plant in some cultures for health purposes, though this is the first rigorous scientific test of its effects on fish.

This study was conducted only on one species of fish (chocolate mahseer), so the results may not apply to other fish species used in aquaculture. The experiment took place in a controlled laboratory setting with ideal conditions, which may differ from real fish farms where water quality, temperature, and other factors vary. The study tested fish at a young age and size, so results might be different for larger or older fish. Additionally, while the research shows the supplement works, it doesn’t fully explain the exact mechanisms of how it works at the cellular level. The study also didn’t test long-term effects beyond 60 days of supplementation.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, fish farmers could consider adding Zanthoxylum acanthopodium seed powder at a 1% level to fish feed as a way to improve immune function and reduce disease risk. This recommendation has moderate confidence because the study was well-designed but limited to one fish species. Before implementing this widely, farmers should consider testing it with their specific fish species and farm conditions. This supplement should not be viewed as a complete replacement for good farm management practices like maintaining clean water and proper feeding, but rather as an additional tool to support fish health.

Fish farmers and aquaculture professionals should pay attention to these findings, especially those looking to reduce their use of synthetic antibiotics and medicines. People interested in sustainable food production and natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals in agriculture may also find this relevant. However, this research doesn’t apply to human nutrition or health—it’s specific to fish farming. If you’re a consumer of farmed fish, this research suggests that farmers using natural supplements like this may be able to produce healthier fish with fewer synthetic medicines.

Based on this study, improvements in immune function appeared within the 60-day feeding period, with measurements showing changes by day 15. However, the most dramatic benefits in disease resistance were only visible when fish were actually exposed to infection. In a real farm setting, you might expect to see improved fish health and reduced disease outbreaks within 2-3 months of starting supplementation, though individual results could vary based on farm conditions and fish species.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If you manage a fish farm, track the percentage of fish that become sick or die from fungal infections weekly, comparing periods before and after adding the seed supplement. Also monitor feed conversion ratio (how much food converts to fish weight) to measure growth improvements.
  • Start by adding the seed powder at the 1% level (1 kilogram of powder per 100 kilograms of feed) to your existing fish feed. Source or prepare the Zanthoxylum acanthopodium seed powder and mix it thoroughly into your regular feed to ensure even distribution. Monitor your fish daily for signs of health improvement and disease resistance.
  • Maintain a log of fish mortality rates, disease outbreaks, and growth measurements before, during, and after supplementation. Compare these metrics month-to-month to determine if the supplement is delivering the expected benefits in your specific farm conditions. Track feed costs and health-related expenses to calculate whether the supplement provides economic benefits alongside health improvements.

This research was conducted on juvenile chocolate mahseer fish in a controlled laboratory setting and may not apply to other fish species, different life stages, or commercial farm conditions. The findings suggest potential benefits but should not be considered a replacement for established fish health management practices, veterinary care, or proper water quality maintenance. Before implementing this supplement in commercial operations, consult with aquaculture specialists and conduct small-scale trials with your specific fish species and farm conditions. This research is not applicable to human health or nutrition. Always follow local regulations regarding feed additives and supplements in aquaculture.