Effect of Codonopsis pilosula on Immune and Digestion in Sea Cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus

Abstract

A 8-week trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of Codonopsis pilosula on immune and digestion in sea cucumber. The results showed that the total coelomocytes counts (TCC), phagocytic activity and superoxide anion production (O₂^-), superoxide dismutase (SOD), acid phosphatase (ACP), phenoloxidase (PO) activities in coelomocytes of sea cucumbers were improved significantly after 28 or 42 days. Again dietary C. pilosula had a positive impact by activating the RNA expression levels of complement component 3 (C3), lysozyme and protease, amylase and alginase activities in the gut. Finally the resistance of A. japonicus against Vibrio splendidus was enhanced.