Abstract: This study was conducted to understand the potential of medicinal herbs, Andrographis paniculata, Cissus quadrangularis and Eclipta alba on growth promotion, utilization of energy, induction in activities of digestive enzymes, concentrations biochemical constituents and non-enzymatic antioxidants of the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii. These herbs were incorporated with basal diets at three different concentrations (1%, 3%, and 5%) individually and fed to the post larval (PL) of M. rosenbergii (1.83?0.50 cm; 0.14? 0.02 g) for a period of 90 days in a triplicate experimental set-up. A significantly improved survival and growth performance (weight gain, specific growth rate, condition factor), elevation in energy utilization, increased activities of digestive enzymes (protease, amylase and lipase), concentrations of biochemical constituents (total protein, carbohydrate and lipid) and non-enzymatic antioxidants (vitamin-C and vitamin-E) were recorded (P<0.05) in C. quadrangularis incorporated feed fed PL (5%>3%>1%), followed by E. alba (5%>3%>1%) and A. paniculata (3%>5%>1%) when compared with control diet (without incorporation of any herb) fed PL. Twelve polypeptide bands of molecular weight between 116-14 were recorded in the muscle of PL fed with control as well as the best concentration of each herb incorporated feeds. The intensity of 50, 48, and 46 kDa regions was found to be stained more in C. quadrangularis incorporated feed fed PL when compared with control feed as well as E. alba and A. paniculata incorporated feeds fed PL. In this study, the overall results indicated the fact that these herbs enhanced the secretion of digestive enzymes, act as appetizer, which facilitate efficient digestion, absorption of nutrients and favour general metabolism, which in turn ultimately improved the general health and produced better survival and growth of M. rosenbergii PL. Therefore, it is suggested that these herbs have the characteristic ability to promote growth in M. rosenbergii. The aquaculture potential of these herbs needs further study based on their active principles.
