Boosting Immune Responses and Health in Shrimp with Cinnamon Leaf Extract

Jenn Hoskins
8th June, 2024

Boosting Immune Responses and Health in Shrimp with Cinnamon Leaf Extract

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers from the National Taiwan Ocean University found that Cinnamomum osmophloeum leaf hot-water extract (CLWE) is safe for white shrimp at concentrations up to 500 mg/L
  • Shrimp fed with 0.5 g/kg CLWE showed the highest immune responses, including increased haemocyte count, superoxide anion production, PO activity, and phagocytic activity
  • CLWE, especially at 0.5 g/kg, significantly enhanced shrimp's resistance to Vibrio parahaemolyticus, reducing nonviable cells and activating immune cells
White shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) are a crucial species in aquaculture, yet they are vulnerable to various pathogens, including Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Recently, researchers from the National Taiwan Ocean University conducted a study to explore the effects of Cinnamomum osmophloeum leaf hot-water extract (CLWE) on the nonspecific immune responses and disease resistance of these shrimp[1]. This study builds on earlier research that has identified the beneficial properties of C. osmophloeum and related species in enhancing immunity and combating pathogens[2][3][4]. The study began with a cell viability assay to ensure that CLWE is safe for white shrimp haemocytes (immune cells). The results showed that concentrations ranging from 0 to 500 mg/L were non-toxic. Further in vitro tests revealed that haemocytes treated with 10 and 50 mg/L of CLWE exhibited significantly higher superoxide anion production, phenoloxidase (PO) activity, and phagocytic activity. These immune responses are crucial for the shrimp's ability to fend off infections. In the in vivo trials, white shrimp were fed diets supplemented with various concentrations of CLWE (0, 0.5, 1, 5, and 10 g/kg) over 28 days. The group fed with 0.5 g/kg CLWE (designated as CLWE 0.5) showed the most pronounced immune response. This group had the highest total haemocyte count, superoxide anion production, PO activity, and phagocytic activity. Additionally, CLWE 0.5 significantly upregulated several immune-related genes, including those involved in the clotting system, antimicrobial peptides, pattern recognition receptors, and antioxidant defenses. After 14 days of feeding, the shrimp were injected with V. parahaemolyticus to test their disease resistance. Both the CLWE 0.5 and CLWE 5 groups demonstrated strong resistance to the pathogen, reducing the number of nonviable cells and activating different haemocyte subpopulations. These findings indicate that CLWE, particularly at the 0.5 g/kg dosage, can enhance nonspecific immune responses and increase resistance to V. parahaemolyticus in white shrimp. This study aligns with earlier findings that highlight the immune-boosting properties of Cinnamomum species. For instance, previous research has shown that C. osmophloeum contains bioactive compounds with antibacterial, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties, making it a potential remedy for various ailments[2]. Another study demonstrated that essential oils from C. osmophloeum leaves possess strong antifungal activities, further emphasizing the plant's antimicrobial capabilities[3]. Additionally, research on Cinnamomum kanehirae revealed that its extracts could enhance the immunity and disease resistance of white shrimp, suggesting that Cinnamomum species are promising candidates for improving shrimp health in aquaculture[4]. Moreover, the current study provides insights into how temperature fluctuations can affect shrimp immunity. A previous study on Litopenaeus vannamei showed that cold stress could decrease microbial community richness and alter the bacterial community, thereby reducing shrimp immunity[5]. This underscores the importance of maintaining optimal environmental conditions and exploring natural immune-boosting supplements like CLWE to enhance shrimp health and resilience. In summary, the findings from the National Taiwan Ocean University study demonstrate that C. osmophloeum leaf hot-water extract can significantly enhance the nonspecific immune responses and disease resistance of white shrimp. By incorporating CLWE into shrimp diets, aquaculture operations may improve shrimp health and reduce losses due to pathogenic infections, offering a natural and effective alternative to traditional chemotherapeutants.

SpicesAnimal ScienceMarine Biology

References

Main Study

1) Effects of Taiwanese indigenous cinnamon (Cinnamomum osmophloeum) leaf hot-water extract on nonspecific immune responses, resistance against Vibrio parahaemolyticus, nonviable cells, and haemocyte subpopulations in white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei).

Published 5th June, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2024.109680

Related Studies

2) Beneficial Biological Activities of Cinnamomum osmophloeum and its Potential Use in the Alleviation of Oral Mucositis: A Systematic Review.

https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines8010003

3) Antifungal activities of essential oils and their constituents from indigenous cinnamon (Cinnamomum osmophloeum) leaves against wood decay fungi.

Journal: Bioresource technology, Issue: Vol 96, Issue 7, May 2005

4) Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of leaf and twig extracts of stout camphor tree, Cinnamomum kanehirae, and the effects on immunity and disease resistance of white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2008.11.008

5) The immune defense response of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) to temperature fluctuation.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2020.04.053


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