Quercus Infectoria Counteracts Lead Toxicity in Carp: Growth, Metabolic & Enzymatic Protection

The research project aims to determine the protective effects of Quercus infectoria seeds (QIS) on lead nitrate (Pb(NO₃)₂) induced toxicity in Cyprinus carpio (common carp). Eighty juvenile carp weighted (151.4 ± 6.4 g) were divided into four groups: T0 (control), fed standard diet; the fish in the second group T1, exposed to 5 mg/L of Pb(NO₃)₂; T2, were fed a QIS-supplemented diet (10 g/kg); and T3, were exposed to Pb(NO₃)₂ + QIS. the parameters of the growth were severely influenced in T1, with final weight (171.1±4.748g) significantly lower than those present in the T0 (235.4±11.6g; p< 0.0001). On the other hand, QIS supplementation (T2) showed the highest growth (257.4±12.73g), as compared with both control and Pb-exposed groups (p< 0.0001). The T3 group demonstrated intermediate growth (223±12.36g), indicating QIS partially counteracted Pb toxicity. Biochemical analysis revealed that Pb-exposed fish (T1) developed hyperglycemia (77.37±4.628mg/dL when compared with T0: 65.4±1.65 mg/dL) and elevated urea (5.3±0.55mg/dL) as compared with the T0 group (3.733±0.66 mg/dL). In contrast, QIS groups showed improved metabolic profiles. Tissue enzyme activities (alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)) in muscle and spleen confirmed Pb-induced damage, with QIS significantly reducing oxidative stress markers (p< 0.05). These results conclude that QIS effectively reduced the toxicity of Pb by elevating the growth parameters, protecting the tissue, and supporting its use as a natural feed additive in aquaculture.