Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Effects of aqueous extract of Capsicum frutescens (Solanaceae) against the fish ectoparasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Parasitology Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstracts

Ichthyophthirius multifiliis is an important fish ectoparasite that often results in significant economic losses to freshwater aquaculture. The search of alternative substances to control infections of I. multifiliis became stringent after malachite green, an effective and widely used chemotherapeutant, is banned on fish farms because of its carcinogenicity and teratogenicity. In this study, the effects of the aqueous extract of Capsicum frutescens, which is readily available and affordable, were evaluated under in vitro and in vivo conditions. The results in the in vitro conditions showed that the aqueous extracts of C. frutescens with the ratios (V SS/V T—V SS, the volume of stock solution; V T, the volume of total solution) of 1:32 and 1:64 led to more than 70 % mortality of I. multifiliis theronts during 4 h of exposure and significantly reduced the survival of the tomonts and the total number of theronts released by the tomonts within 22 h (P < 0.05). A 96-h bioassay was carried out to determine the acute toxicity of the aqueous extract of C. frutescens to goldfish. No visible effect was observed in the treatments with the aqueous extracts of C. frutescens with the ratios (V SS/V T) of 1:32, 1:64 and 1:128, while in the other treatments, the erratic behaviour of fish was noted. In addition, in vitro tests demonstrated that the aqueous extract of C. frutescens had an adverse effect on I. multifiliis trophonts in situ. Fish treated with the aqueous extracts of C. frutescens in ratios V SS/V T of 1:32 and 1:64 carried significantly fewer parasites than the control and the other treatments (P < 0.05). These results suggest, therefore, that aqueous extracts of C. frutescens have potential for the control of ichthyophthiriasis in the aquaculture industry, though further phytochemical studies will need to be performed for isolation and identification of the active compounds.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abdou IA, Abou-Zeid AA, El-Sherbeeny MR, Abou-El-Gheat ZH (1972) Antimicrobial activities of Allium sativum, Allium cepa, Raphanus sativus, Capsicum frutescens, Eruca sativa, Allium kurrat on bacteria. Plant Food Hum Nutr 22:29–35

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Aihua L, Buchmann K (2001) Temperature- and salinity-dependent development of a Nordic strain of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis from rainbow trout. J Appl Ichthyol 17:273–276

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alderman DJ (1985) Malachite green: a review. J Fish Dis 8:289–298

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Buchmann K, Bresciani J (1997) Parasitic infections in pond-reared rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in Denmark. Dis Aquat Organ 28:125–138

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buchmann K, Nielsen ME (1999) Chemoattraction of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ciliophora) theronts to host molecules. Int J Parasitol 29:1415–1423

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Buchmann K, Sigh J, Nielsen CV, Dalgaard M (2001) Host responses against the fish parasitizing ciliate Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. Vet Parasitol 100:105–116

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Buchmann K, Jensen PB, Kruse KD (2003) Effects of sodium percarbonate and garlic extract on Ichthyophthirius multifiliis theronts and tomocysts: in vitro experiments. N Am J Aquacult 65:21–24

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buikema A Jr, Nielderlehner B, Cairns J Jr (1980) Use of grass shrimp in toxicity tests. In: Buikema A Jr, Cairns J Jr (Eds), Aquatic Invertebrates Bioassays. AST STP 715. American Society for Testing and Materials, pp 155–173

  • Cichewicz RH, Thorpe PA (1996) The antimicrobial properties of chile peppers (Capsicum species) and their uses in Mayan medicine. J Ethnopharmacol 52:61–70

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Clayton GM, Price DJ (1988) Ichthyophthirius multifiliis: standardization of the infection-response model in Ameca splendens (Miller & Fitzsimons). J Fish Dis 11:371–377

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cross DG, Hursey PA (1973) Chloramine T for the control of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. J Fish Biol 5:789–798

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • DeLorenzo ME, Serrano L, Chung KW, Hoguet J, Key PB (2006) Effects of the insecticide permethrin on three life stages of the grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 64:122–127

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dickerson HW, Dawe DL (1995) Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and Cryptocaryon irritans (Phylum Ciliophora). In: Woo PTK (ed) Fish diseases and disorders, vol. 1. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, pp 181–226

    Google Scholar 

  • Ekanem AP, Obiekezie A, Kloas W, Knopf K (2004) Effects of crude extracts of Mucuna pruriens (Fabaceae) and Carica papaya (Caricaceae) against the protozoan fish parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. Parasitol Res 92:361–366

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Heinecke RD, Buchmann K (2009) Control of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis using a combination of water filtration and sodium percarbonate: dose–response studies. Aquaculture 288:32–35

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hines RS, Spira DT (1973) Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Fouquet) in the mirror carp, Cyprinus carpio L. I. Course of infection. J Fish Biol 5:385–392

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ivbijaro MF, Agbaje M (1986) Insecticidal activities of Piper guineense Schum and Thonn and Capsicum species on cowpea burchid, Callosobruchus maculatus. Insect Sci Appli 7:521–524

    Google Scholar 

  • Jorgensen TR, Larsen TB, Buchmann K (2008) Parasitic infections in model trout farms. In: Buchmann, K. (ed.), Control of pathogens in warm water aquaculture and recirculated model trout farms. Proceedings of the SCOFDA Workshop, November 4 and 5, 2008. University of Copenhagen, Denmark. Printed by Frederiksberg Bogtrykkeri, Denmark (www.fishnet.dk/scofda)

  • Kim JH, Hayward CJ, Joh SJ, Heo GJ (2002) Parasitic infections in live freshwater tropical fishes imported to Korea. Dis Aquat Organ 52:169–173

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Leteux F, Meyer FP (1972) Mixtures of malachite green and formalin for controlling Ichthyophthirius and other protozoan parasites of fish. Prog Fish Cult 34:21–26

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ling KH, Sin YM, Lam TJ (1993) Effect of copper sulphate on ichthyophthiriasis (white spot disease) in goldfish (Carassius auratus). Aquaculture 118:23–35

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ling F, Luo Q, Wang JG, Wang YP, Wang WB, Gong XN (2009) Effects of the “all-fish” GH (growth hormone) transgene expression on resistance to Ichthyophthirius multifiliis infections in common carp, Cyprinus carpio L. Aquaculture 292:1–5

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ling F, Wang JG, Liu QF, Li M, Ye LT, Gong XN (2010) Prevention of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis infestation in goldfish (Carassius auratus) by potassium ferrate (VI) treatment. Vet Parasitol 168:212–216

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ling F, Wang JG, Wang GX, Gong XN (2011) Effect of potassium ferrate (VI) on survival and reproduction of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis tomonts. Parasitol Res 109:1423–1428

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Madsen HCK, Buchmann K, Mellergaard S (2000) Treatment of trichodiniasis in eel (Anguilla anguilla) reared in recirculation systems in Denmark: alternatives to formaldehyde. Aquaculture 186:221–231

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Matthews RA (2005) Ichthyophthirius multifiliis Fouquet and ichthyophthiriosis in freshwater teleosts. Adv Parasitol 59:159–241

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McCallum HI (1982) Infection dynamics of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. Parasitology 85:475–488

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McKeen CD (1956) The inhibitory activity of extract of Capsicum frutescens on plant virus infections. Can J Boc 34:891–903

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Meinelt T, Matzke S, Stüber A, Pietrock M, Wienke A, Mitchell AJ, Straus DL (2009) Toxicity of peracetic acid (PAA) to tomonts of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. Dis Aquat Org 86:51–56

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nalina T, Rahim ZHA (2006) Effect of Piper betle L. leaf extract on the virulence activity of Streptococcus mutans—an in vitro study. Pak J Biol Sci 9:1470–1475

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nigrelli RF, Pokorny KS, Ruggieri GD (1976) Notes on Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, a ciliate parasitic on freshwater fishes, with some remarks on possible physiological races and species. Trans Am Microsc Soc 95:607–613

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Noe JG, Dickerson HW (1995) Sustained growth of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis at low temperature in the laboratory. J Parasitol 8:1022–1024

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Paolini V, Frayssines A, De La Farge F, Dorchies O, Hoste H (2003) Effects of condensed tannins on established populations and on incoming larvae of Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Teladorsagia circumcincta in goats. Vet Res 34:331–339

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rehm S, Espig G (1991) The cultivated plants of the tropics and subtropics. Verlag Josef Margraf, Weikersheim

    Google Scholar 

  • Rintamaki-Kinnunen P, Rahkonen M, Mannermaa-Keranen AL, Suomalainen LR, Mykra H, Valtonen ET (2005a) Treatment of ichthyophthiriasis after malachite green. I. Concrete tanks at salmonid farms. Dis Aquat Organ 64:69–76

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rintamaki-Kinnunen P, Rahkonen M, Mykra H, Valtonen ET (2005b) Treatment of ichthyophthiriasis after malachite green. II. Earth ponds at salmonid farms. Dis Aquat Organ 66:15–20

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rogers WA, Gaines JL (1975) Lesions of protozoan diseases in fish. In: Ribelin WE, Migaki G (eds) The pathology of fishes. University of Wisconsin Press, Madison, pp 117–141

    Google Scholar 

  • Schlenk D, Gollon JL, Griffin BR (1998) Efficacy of copper sulfate in the treatment of ichthyophthiriosis in channel catfish. J Aquat Anim Health 10:390–396

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Selosse PM, Rowland SJ (1990) Use of common salt to treat ichthyophthiriasis in Australian warm water fishes. Prog Fish Cult 52:124–127

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shinn AP, Wootten R, Somerville C, Conway D (2001) Putting the squeeze on whitespot. Trout News 32:20–25

    Google Scholar 

  • Sin YM, Ling KH, Lam TJ (1991) Protection against velvet disease in goldfish recovered from ichthyophthiriasis. Aquaculture 102:187–191

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Srivastava S, Sinha R, Roy D (2004) Toxicological effects of malachite green. Aquat Toxicol 66:319–329

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Straus DL, Griffin BR (2001) Prevention of an initial infestation of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis in channel catfish and blue tilapia by potassium permanganate treatment. North Am J Aquacult 63:11–16

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Straus DL, Griffin BR (2002) Efficacy of potassium permanganate in treating ichthyophthiriasis in channel catfish. J Aquat Anim Health 14:145–148

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Suzuki K, Misaka N, Sakai DK (2006) Efficacy of green tea extract on removal of the ectoparasitic flagellate Ichthyobodo necator from chum salmon, Oncorhynchus keta and masu salmon O. masou. Aquaculture 259:17–27

  • Swennes AG, Noe JG, Findly RC, Dickerson HW (2006) Differences in virulence between two serotypes of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. Dis Aquat Org 69:227–232

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Thilakaratne IDSIP, Rajapaksha G, Hewakopara A, Rajapakse RPVJ, Faizal ACM (2003) Parasitic infections in freshwater ornamental fish in Sri Lanka. Dis Aquat Organ 54:157–162

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tieman DM, Goodwin AE (2001) Treatments for Ich infestations in channel catfish evaluated under static and flow-through water conditions. N Am J Aquacult 63:293–299

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Traxler GS, Richard J, McDonald TE (1998) Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) epizootics in spawning sockeye salmon in British Columbia. Canada J Aquat Anim Health 10:143–151

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wagner G (1960) Der Entwicklungszyklus von Ichthyophthirius multifiliis Fouquet und der Einfluϐ physikalischer und chemischer Auϐenfaktoren. Zeitschrift für Fischerei und deren Hilfswissenschaften 9 (NF):425–443

    Google Scholar 

  • Wahli T, Schmitt M, Meier W (1993) Evluation of alternatives to malachite green oxalate as a therapeutant of ichthyophthiriosis in rainbow-trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. J Appl Ichthyol 9:237–249

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang GX, Han J, Feng TT, Li FY, Zhu B (2009) Bio-assay guided isolation and identification of active compounds from Fructus Arctii against Dactylogyrus intermedius (Monogenea) in goldfish (Carassius auratus). Parasitol Res 106:247–255

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wang GX, Jiang DX, Li J, Han J, Liu YT, Liu XL (2010) Anthelmintic activity of Dioscorea zingiberensis C.H.Wright against Dactylogyrus intermedius (Monogenea) in goldfish (Carassius auratus). Parasitol Res 107:1365–1371

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wurtsbaugh WA, Tapia RA (1988) Mass mortality of fishes in Lake Titicaca (Peru Bolivia) associated with the protozoan parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. T Am Fish Soc 117:213–217

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xu DH, Shoemaker CA, Klesius PH (2008) Effect of tricaine methanesulfonate on survival and reproduction of the fish ectoparasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. Parasitol Res 103:979–982

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zahir AA, Ruhuman AA, Kamaraj C, Bagavan A, Elango G, Sangaran A, Kumar BS (2009) Laboratory determination of efficacy of indigenous plant extracts for parasites control. Parasitol Res 105:453–461

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

Financial support for this study was provided by the National Basic Research Program (also called 973 Program) under Grant 2009CB118700, Huai'an Technological Program under Grant SN1087 and Doctor Initial Research Foundation of Northwest A&F University under Grant 2010BSJJ005.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, People’s Republic of China

    Fei Ling, Cheng Lu & Gao-Xue Wang

  2. Laboratory of Healthy Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, People’s Republic of China

    Fei Ling, Jian-Guo Wang & Xiao-Ning Gong

  3. National Fishery Technical Extension Centre, Beijing, 100026, People’s Republic of China

    Yong-Hui Lui

Authors
  1. Fei Ling
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jian-Guo Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Cheng Lu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Gao-Xue Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Yong-Hui Lui
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Xiao-Ning Gong
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Fei Ling or Jian-Guo Wang.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Ling, F., Wang, JG., Lu, C. et al. Effects of aqueous extract of Capsicum frutescens (Solanaceae) against the fish ectoparasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis . Parasitol Res 111, 841–848 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-012-2907-9

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-012-2907-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation