Ameliorative Effects of Hemp (Cannabis sativa) Against Copper-induced Toxicity in Labeo rohita

Abstract

This study investigates the therapeutic effect of dietary hemp seed oil (HSO) and hemp seed (HS) against copper-induced toxicity in Labeo rohita. For this purpose, Fingerlings of Labeo rohita (Rohu) are exposed to sub-lethal levels of copper(Cu) for thirty days, and subsequently, all groups except control are fed on two types of hemp-supplemented diets i-e three of hemp seed oil  (HSO); 1 %, 2%, 3%) and three of hempseed (HS);  5%, 10%, 15%), for 50 days. After thirty days of copper toxicity various hematological parameters, immune response, serum biochemistry, and antioxidant enzymes in five fish of each group are checked which include elevated levels of white blood cells, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, neutrophils, lymphocytes, lysozyme, and immunoglobulin M, along with reduced plasma protein levels. Furthermore, copper exposure led to notable changes in liver function tests (LFTs), including alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, and aspartate transaminase. Additionally, changes in antioxidant enzyme activities, such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and peroxidase, are observed in the brain, gills, liver, and muscle tissues. However, interestingly, supplementation with hemp seed oil and hemp seed effectively reversed the altered parameter to a normal level and reduced the adverse effects of copper intoxication, restoring the fish to normal physiological levels. Overall, the findings suggest that hemp product supplementation can mitigate copper toxicity in fish, highlighting its potential therapeutic role as a feed ingredient in aquaculture practices.