RESUMO
Abstract This study investigated effects of a geophyte plant extract (Sternbergia candida) on some hemato-immunological parameters in gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata (L. 1758). To serve this purpose, the plant was collected and extracted in ethanol solvent. A total 300 fish were used in experiment. Three groups were designed including control group, 0.5 mg/fish and 2 mg/fish and plant extract was given by intraperitoneal injection. Following injections on the 1st, 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th and 35th days, blood samples were collected from each group. Some of the hemato-immunological parameters in serum and blood samples such as, phagocytic activity (NBT (+) cells), total leukocyte level, lysozyme activity, total protein, hematocrit level and the differential leucocyte were examined. Present results show that intraperitoneal injection of S. candida plant extract increases some non-specific immune parameters. In the determination of the non-specific immune responses of the gilthead seabream, blood samples collected from 2mg/fish group indicated that maximum levels of pre-determined parameters were reached on days 7, 14, and 21 following the injection. According to these finding, administration of geophyte plant is suggested in seabream to improve non-specific immune response and health status.