Effects of pre-clinical administration of Marshmallow extract (Althaea officinalis L.) on biochemical parameters of blood in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different proportions of marshmallow extract (Althaea officinalis L.) on blood biochemical parameters of rainbow trout. Ninety rainbow trout (100 ± 15 g) fed supplemented diet with 0.0 (control), 2.5 g and 5 g marshmallow extract for 21 days. At the end of experimental period, blood biochemical parameters including glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, cholesterol, triglycerides levels and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were measured (P<0.05). A significant decrease was observed in AST activity. No significant changes were observed in ALT activity and cholesterol and triglycerides (P>0.05). ALP activity and total protein, albumin and globulin in plasma of fish fed supplemented diet with 5g marshmallow extract significantly higher than control group (P<0.05). Administration 2.5g of marshmallow extract significantly reduced LDH activity and glucose levels in blood of fish (P<0.05). According on the results, drug safety of marshmallow extract (2.5 and 5g) was approved for rainbow trout at preclinical experiment.