RESUMO
This research was conducted to validate the beneficial effects of incorporating dietary cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) powder (CzP) in alleviating lead (Pb) poisoning in fish. Healthy Catla catla individuals (16.36 ± 0.19 g/fish) were distributed across 18 tanks in triplicate groups. The experimental groups were as follows: Control group: fish without supplementation or exposure to Pb; positive control group: fish without supplementation but exposed to 1 mg/L Pb; 5 g/kg CzP along with 1 mg/L Pb exposure; 10 g/kg CzP along with 1 mg/L Pb exposure; 15 g/kg CzP along with 1 mg/L Pb exposure; and 20 g/kg CzP along with 1 mg/L Pb exposure. The trial continued for a period of 60 days. Waterborne Pb had a deleterious effect on fish growth performance, body composition, blood profile, and digestive enzyme activity, along with elevated Pb accumulation in various tissues. Conversely, consumption of cinnamon effectively mitigated the toxic potential of Pb and enhanced fish longevity. Notably, 10 g/kg CzP boosted growth, improved carcass quality, reversed blood indices, restored enzyme function in the gut, and mitigated Pb accumulation in tissues. In summary, the findings revealed that incorporating 10 g/kg of CzP as a dietary supplement in C. catla aquaculture could effectively counteract heavy metal toxicity.
