Effects of artichoke (<i>Cynara scolymus</i>) leaf extract on the growth, blood, and biochemistry parameters of Nile tilapia (<i>Oreochromis niloticus</i>)

In this study, artichoke leaf extract (ALE) was added to the Nile tilapia diet at different ratios (0.00%, 1.00%, 2.00%, and 3.00%) for 30 days to investigate its effects on growth performance, hematological parameters, and blood biochemistry. A total of 240 fish with an average initial weight of 33.9 +/- 1.14 g were used. The results showed that ALE supplementation significantly improved growth performance, with the best results observed at 2.00% inclusion (final weight: 58.01 +/- 0.18 g, FCR: 1.48 +/- 0.02, SGR: 1.79 +/- 0.01) (p < 0.05). Hematological analysis revealed an increase in hemoglobin (Hb) levels (control: 9.18 +/- 0.62 g/dL; 2.00% ALE: 12.83 +/- 1.19 g/dL) and a decrease in white blood cell count (control: 3.54 +/- 0.06 m/mm3; 2.00% ALE: 3.39 +/- 0.07 m/mm3) (p < 0.05). Blood biochemistry results indicated a significant reduction in glucose (control: 73.67 +/- 4.16 mg/dL; 2.00% ALE: 51.00 +/- 2.00 mg/dL) and cholesterol levels (control: 227.67 +/- 6.11 mg/dL; 2.00% ALE: 117.67 +/- 3.21 mg/dL) (p < 0.05), suggesting improved metabolic balance. The findings indicate that 2.00% ALE supplementation enhances growth performance and may positively influence fish health by modulating blood parameters, making it a promising natural additive for sustainable aquaculture.