Effects of Vietnamese Balm (Elsholtzia ciliata (Thunb.) Hyland) Essential Oil on Growth Performance of Striped Catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) Juvenile stage

Graphical Abstract Highlight Research Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identified major components of the essential oil, including (Z)-β-Farnesene (24.02%), neral (15.06%), geranial (15.02%), and β-ocimene (13.61%). Diets enriched with 5% Vietnamese balm leaf essential oils significantly improved the survival rate, feed conversion ratio, and feed efficiency. Diets enriched with 5% Vietnamese balm leaf essential oils significantly improved the weight parameters (average weight; weight gain; percentage weight gain; percentage specific growth rate; daily weight gain). Diets enriched with 5% Vietnamese balm leaf essential oils significantly improved the length parameters (average length; length gain; percentage length gain; percentage specific growth rate; daily length gain). Abstract Vietnamese balm (Elsholtzia ciliata) is a prominent herb in Vietnamese traditional medicine. This study investigated the impact of Vietnamese balm leaf essential oils on the growth of striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) in the juvenile stage. Essential oils were extracted using steam distillation, following European Pharmacopoeia guidelines. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identified the essential oil components. The experiment encompassed three treatments: 0% (control), 3%, and 5% of Vietnamese balm leaf essential oils in a completely randomized design. The results demonstrated a time and dose-dependent modulation of striped catfish growth by the essential oils. Diets enriched with 5% Vietnamese balm leaf essential oils significantly enhanced survival rate and growth, indicating potential as a fish feed additive. The essential oil yield was 0.83% dry weight, with major components including (Z)-β-Farnesene (24.02%), neral (15.06%), geranial (15.02%), and β-ocimene (13.61%). Additionally, the study emphasized the growth-promoting effects of herbal extracts on various growth parameters. Further investigations should explore the impact of Vietnamese balm essential oil on catfish immune response and disease resistance, providing a comprehensive understanding of its potential benefits.