Nutritional Physiology & Nutrigenomics

• Phytogenics and Herbal Feed Additives:
• Incorporating medicinal herbs and plant extracts (e.g., Allium sativum [garlic], Ocimum sanctum [tulsi], Zingiber officinale [ginger], Withania somnifera [ashwagandha], and Phyllanthus niruri) into aquafeeds is widely practiced to enhance non-specific immunity and disease resistance.
• These herbs contain active phytochemicals (allicin, flavonoids, polyphenols, essential oils, and polysaccharides) that stimulate phagocytic activity, lysozyme secretion, respiratory burst, and serum complement activity.
• nalysis:
• (Immunity): Correct. Primary therapeutic aim is immunomodulation and disease defense.
• Options 1, 3, 4: Incidental secondary properties compared to immune enhancement.

Correct option: (2) Immunity

• Natural Immunostimulants in Aquaculture:
• Natural immunostimulants encompass substances derived from microbial cell walls ($\beta$-glucans, lipopolysaccharides), plant extracts/herbs, and algae that enhance non-specific defense mechanisms.
• Multifunctional Benefits:

• Protection Against Pathogens: Upregulates lysozyme activity, respiratory burst, phagocytosis, and alternative complement pathways, conferring broad-spectrum disease resistance.
• Growth Enhancement: Promotes beneficial intestinal architecture, enhances digestive enzyme activity, and improves nutrient assimilation.
• Eco-Friendly: Biodegradable, non-toxic, and avoids bacterial drug resistance and environmental residues associated with synthetic antibiotics.
  • nalysis:

• (Enhances growth, provides protection against pathogens and eco-friendly): Correct comprehensive answer.