# Phytochemical Profiling, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Persicaria odorata Ethanolic Leaf Extract and Evaluation of Growth Performance, Disease Resistance, and Gene Expression in Labeo chrysophekadion (Bleeker, 1849)

## TL;DR

This study explores the health benefits of Persicaria odorata leaf extract in fish, showing improved disease resistance and growth potential.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the potential of Persicaria odorata extract as a natural feed additive to enhance fish health and disease resilience.

## Key findings

- POE extract contains phenolics and flavonoids with antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
- Fish fed POE showed reduced mortality and upregulated immune and growth-related genes.
- POE supplementation did not significantly improve growth indices but improved disease resistance.

## Abstract

Persicaria odorata is a medicinal plant with various reported pharmacological properties. This study evaluated the chemical composition and biological activities of P. odorata leaf extract and assessed its effects on growth performance and disease resistance in Black Sharkminnow (Labeo chrysophekadion). Dietary supplementation with P. odorata extract showed favorable effects on fish growth and survival following Aeromonas hydrophila challenge. The extract was also associated with enhanced expression of genes related to immune function and growth regulation, suggesting its potential as a natural feed additive to support fish health and disease resilience in aquaculture.

Persicaria odorata is a medicinal plant recognized for its diverse biological activities. This study investigated the phytochemical profile, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of P. odorata ethanolic leaf extract (POE), as well as its effects on growth performance, disease resistance, and gene expression in Labeo chrysophekadion (Bleeker, 1849) over 150 days. Qualitative screening of POE confirmed the presence of phenolics and flavonoids associated with antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Quantitative analysis determined total phenolic and flavonoid contents in POE, and HPLC confirmed the presence of quercetin and catechin. The extract exhibited notable antioxidant capacity and antibacterial activity against selected pathogens. Dietary supplementation with POE at different inclusion levels resulted in numerically higher growth indices than the control, although differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Fish fed 0.50 and 0.75 g/kg POE showed reduced cumulative mortality compared with the control and 0.25 g/kg group (p < 0.05). POE supplementation also upregulated IL-1β and IGF-1 expression, suggesting enhanced immune responses and growth regulation. Overall, POE shows potential as a natural feed additive to support fish health and disease resistance in aquaculture.