Influence of Cyperus rotundus Active Principles Inhibit Viral Multiplication and Stimulate Immune System in Indian White Shrimp Fenneropenaeus indicus against White Spot Syndrome Virus Infection

The rhizome of Java grass, Cyperus rotundus was
extracted different organic polar and non-polar solvents and
performed the in vitro antiviral and immunostimulant activities
against White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) and Vibrio harveyi
respectively. Based on the initial screening the ethyl acetate extract of
C. rotundus was strong activities and further it was purified through
silica column chromatography and the fractions were screened again
for antiviral and immunostimulant activity. Among the different
fractions screened against the WSSV and V. harveyi, the fractions, FIII
to FV had strong activities. In order to study the in vivo influence
of C. rotundus, the fractions (F-III to FV) were pooled and delivered
to the F. indicus through artificial feed for 30 days. After the feeding
trail the experimental and control diet fed F. indicus were challenged
with virulent WSSV and studied the survival, molecular diagnosis,
biochemical, haematological, and immunological parameters.
Surprisingly, the pooled fractions (F-IV to FVI) incorporated diets
helped to significantly (P<0.01) suppressed viral multiplication,
showed significant (P<0.01) differences in protein and glucose levels,
improved total haemocyte count (THC), coagulase activity,
significantly increased (P <= 0.001) prophenol oxidase and
intracellular superoxide anion production compared to the control
shrimps. Based on the results, C. rotundus extracts effectively
suppressed WSSV multiplication and improve the immune system in
F. indicus against WSSV infection and this knowledge will helps to
develop novel drugs from C. rotundus against WSSV.

• T. Citarasu
• M. Michaelbabu V. N. Vakharia

• Antiviral drugs
• Cyperus rotundus
• Fenneropenaeus indicus
• WSSV.

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