The Impact of Dietary Supplementation with Panax ginseng on Oxidative Stress Indicators and Disease Resistance in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Reared under High Stocking Density Conditions

Background: The intensification of aquaculture through high stocking densities often induces chronic stress in fish, leading to immunosuppression and heightened disease susceptibility. Aim: This study evaluated the efficacy of dietary Panax ginseng supplementation in alleviating oxidative stress and enhancing disease resistance in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) subjected to high stocking density. Methods: 360 fish (mean weight 25.3±2.1 g) were allocated into two main stocking density groups: normal (20 fish/m³) and high (60 fish/m³). Each density group was further subdivided into three triplicate subgroups fed a basal diet supplemented with 0% (control), 0.5%, or 1.0% P. ginseng root powder for 8 weeks. Results: Results indicated that high stocking density significantly increased oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl content) and suppressed the activity of key antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) (p<0.05). Dietary inclusion of P. ginseng significantly mitigated these adverse effects in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, P. ginseng supplementation enhanced resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila infection, as demonstrated by significantly reduced cumulative mortality and improved innate immune parameters, including lysozyme and respiratory burst activity. The 1.0% supplementation le vel yielded the most pronounced benefits. Conclusion: These findings suggest that P. ginseng is a viable functional feed additive for mitigating oxidative stress and improving disease resistance in Nile tilapia cultured under intensive, high density conditions.