The effects of hydro-alcohol extract of follower of marshmallow (Althaea officinalis L.) on some biochemical and hematological parameters in common carp Cyprinus carpio L

Background & Aim: Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) is one of the most popular medicinal plants used in traditional medicine with antibacterial and antioxidant properties. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of marshmallow extract (Althaea officinalis L.) administration on hematological and biochemical parameters in common carp. Experimental: 150 carp (weighing 37.65 ± 4.40 g) were fed with diets containing 0.0 (control diet), 2.5, 5, and 10 g marshmallow extract for 60 days. Then, the hematological and blood biochemical parameters were measured on days 30 and 60 of the experiment. Results & Discussion: No significant difference was found (p>0.05) in red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCH), number of neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophil in fish fed with different concentrations of marshmallow extract on day 60. Administration of marshmallow extract (5 g) significantly increased (p<0.05) white blood cells (WBC) and lymphocytes on day 60. On the other hand, administration with 5 and 10 g of marshmallow extract decreased monocytes (p<0.05) on day 30. Administrations of A. officinalis extract to the fishes for 60 days did not have any significant effect on alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activities and creatinine levels. Plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities and total protein and albumin were significantly high in fishes that fed A. officinalis at doses of 10 g/kg (P < 0.05) compare to the control group. Plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the treated group were also significantly decreased at the 5 and 10 g/kg dose levels of A. officinalis extract. The significant changes was observed in hematological and biochemical parameters in fish fed with 10 g of marshmallow extract may be attributed to cytotoxicity, however 2.5 and 5 g of extract did not have adverse effects on the hematological and biochemical parameters of common carp in this study. Industrial and practical recommendations: According to the results, it was concluded that preclinical administration of certain concentrations of marshmallow extract (2.5 and 5 g) was beneficial for carp.