Immunostimulatory effects of curcumin in fish, Labeo rohita (H.)

Curcumin, an orange-yellow phytochemical, hydrophobic and polyphenolic compound of turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.), has been known to be a potent immunomodulatory agent in mice, horse, human and other higher vertebrates. In the present study, we have found its immunostimulatory properties in fish Labeo rohita (H.). Curcumin at low doses (15 and 1.5 μg) significantly (P<0.05) increased some non-specific immune parameters such as respiratory burst, myeloperoxidase, haemagglutination, haemolytic and bacterial agglutination activities up to 21 days post administration without any side effects. It has also further increased bacterial agglutination activities in Aeromonas hydrophila injected fishes primed with low dose (15 μg) curcumin.