The effects of artichoke leaf (Cynara scolymus) extract onoxidative stress, growth performance, blood parameters, and histopathology of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed to deltamethrin

This study was conducted to investigate the toxic effects of Deltamethrin (DLM), a synthetic pyrethroid insecticid ecommonly applied in agricultural areas, on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), and to evaluate the potential protective role of artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaf extract against these effects. A total of 240 Nile tilapia individuals, with an average live weight of 87.66±2.08 grams, were obtained from Çukurova University, Faculty of Fisheries, Dr. Nazmi Tekelioğlu Freshwater Fish Production and Research Station and used as experimental material. The study was carried out in two stages. In the first stage, the acute toxicity level (LC₅₀-96 hours) of Deltamethrin was determined via probit analysis and calculated as 0.028 mg/L. In these conditions, fish were exposed to a sublethal concentration of Deltamethrin (1/20 of LC₅₀) and fed a diet supplemented with 2% artichoke leaf extract for 30 days. Throughout the experimental period, water temperature was maintained at 25°C, and water quality parameters were carefully monitored. At theend of thetrial, growth performance, feed conversionratios, hematological parameters (RBC, Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH), biochemical blood markers (ALP, AST, ALT, glucose, cholesterol, total protein, triglyceride), oxidative stres biomarkers (TAS, TOS, OSI, SOD, CAT, GPx, MDA) and histopathological alterations in major tissues (liver, kidney, gill) were systematically analyzed. The results indicated that Deltamethrin exposure caused significant reductions in growth performance and feed utilization efficiency, altered blood parameters, and triggered oxidative stres and tissue damage in Nile tilapia. However, supplementation with 2% artichoke leaf extract in the diet alleviated these negative effects, improved antioxidant enzyme activities, and mitigated histopathological damage. These findings suggest that artichoke leaf extract can be an effective natural feed additive in reducing pesticide-induced toxicity in aquaculture, promoting fish welfare and contributing to environmentally sustainable production strategies. Keywords: Deltamethrin, Cynara scolymus, Oreochromis niloticus, Growth Performance, Blood Parameters