Protective role of dietary cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylancium) against waterborne lead toxicity in Labeo rohita.

Cinnamon has emerged as a promising herbal supplement, revealing its potential in alleviating the harmful impacts of aquatic pollutants on various fish species. This study was conducted to investigate the protective potential of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) powder (CzP) in reducing waterborne-induced lead (Pb) toxicity in Labeo rohita. The research trial included six groups: a control group, a Pb-exposed group without CzP supplementation, and four Pb-exposed groups with CzP supplementation at dietary inclusion levels of 5, 10, 15, and 20 g/kg in triplicates. Fish were fed at 5% of body weight for 60 days. Upon completion of the experimental phase, several parameters were examined including growth performance, proximate body composition, intestinal enzyme activity, Pb accumulation in tissues, and hematological indices. The results demonstrated that waterborne Pb exposure negatively impacted all evaluated parameters. However, incorporating CzP into the diet notably improved physiological traits. The group supplemented with 10 g/kg CzP exhibited significant improvements in growth, proximate composition, digestive enzyme activity, reduction in Pb accumulation, and blood profile of fish. In conclusion, our research demonstrates that dietary inclusion of CzP (especially at the level of 10 g/kg) can significantly counteract Pb toxicity and enhance growth performance and health status of L. rohita.