Mitigating deltamethrin-induced systemic toxicity in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) via dietary artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaf extract: a multi-biomarker approach

Abstract This study investigated the potential of dietary artichoke ( Cynara scolymus ) leaf extract (ALE) to mitigate the multifaceted physiological disruptions induced by deltamethrin (DLM) exposure in Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ). Following the determination of sublethal toxicity thresholds, fish were distributed into four experimental groups: a control, a DLM-exposed group (0.0014 mg/L), a group co-administered with DLM and 2.00% dietary ALE, and a group receiving ALE alone. Over a 30-day feeding trial, comprehensive assessments of growth kinetics, hematological profiles, serum biochemistry, and organ-scale histopathology were conducted. The results revealed that DLM exposure triggered significant growth retardation characterized by suppressed weight gain and impaired feed utilization ( p < 0.05). Hematological indices such as RBC, Hb, and HCT were markedly reduced, while serum markers of hepatic stress encompassing glucose, cholesterol, and liver enzymes like ALT, AST, and ALP showed significant elevations in the DLM-only group. Furthermore, histopathological examinations confirmed DLM-induced structural damage within the liver, gills, and brain tissues. In contrast, dietary supplementation with 2.00% ALE significantly attenuated these toxicological impacts, supporting physiological balance and enhancing the antioxidant defense system (TAS, SOD, CAT, and GPx) while reducing lipid peroxidation (MDA). These findings suggest that Cynara scolymus leaf extract shows promise as a functional feed additive, providing significant mitigative potential against pyrethroid-induced oxidative stress and tissue degeneration in aquaculture systems.