The effects of Panax ginseng on growth enhancement, innate immunity, and microbiome profiling in Penaeus vannamei

Background: In aquaculture, feed additives are widely explored. Among them, Panax ginseng Meyer, a natural herbal remedy, has demonstrated its efficacy in many aquaculture species. However, research regarding Penaeus vannamei shrimp, one of the most significant species in aquaculture, remains limited. Methods: This study investigates the benefits of P. ginseng for P. vannamei, specifically its effects on growth, innate immunity, and shrimp microbiome. Juvenile P. vannamei were fed commercial feed mixed with red ginseng extract at 5 concentrations (0.00 %, 0.05 %, 0.10 %, 0.50 %, and 1.00 %) for 6 weeks. Body weight was measured on days 21 and 42. On day 42, three shrimp per group were selected for further analysis. Results: In the growth study, Group 0.10 % displayed significantly improved FBW, WG, SGR, and FCR compared to those in Group 0.00 % on day 42. The qPCR assay showed significantly higher IGF-BP gene expression in Groups 0.05 %, 0.10 %, and 1.00 % compared to Group 0.00 %. In the innate immunity analysis, SOD activity was significantly higher in Groups 0.05 % and 0.50 % compared to that in Group 0.00 %. In the bacterial community analysis, Group 0.10 % exhibited higher Flavobacteriaceae and lower Vibrionaceae at the family level compared to Group 0.00 %. At the genus level, Group 0.10 % showed increased unspecified Flavobacteriaceae and decreased Vibrio compared to Group 0.00 %. Conclusion: Adding P. ginseng to the feed enhanced growth, immune response, and microbiome composition in P. vannamei. Further research on refining dosage levels and utilizing red ginseng residues could boost commercial productivity and economic benefits in aquaculture practices.