Aquatic Science, Agricultural and Biological Sciences, General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology, Biotechnology
65
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Evaluating the Impact of Spinach Supplementation in Enhancing the Growth of Blue Swimming Crab Larvae, Portunus pelagicus Alias Redzuari, Ariffin Hidir, Muyassar H. Abualreesh, Hanafiah Fazhan, Khor Waiho, et al. Tropical Life Sciences Research, 2026 Blue swimming crabs (Portunus pelagicus) consistently command higher prices in domestic and global markets due to elevated demand. Due to the rising issue of low crab larvae survival, farmers have begun using artificial hormones to increase survival rates and ensure hatchery production aligns with market demands. However, the outcomes of using artificial hormones are concerning, as these compounds pose serious risks to aquatic organisms, humans, and the environment. To address the harmful effects of artificial hormones, efforts are now focused on identifying affordable and eco-friendly plant-based alternatives, such as spinach (Spinacia oleracea), which contains bioactive compounds that could promote crab larval growth and survival. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of spinach in improving the growth performance of P. pelagicus larvae. This was accomplished by enriching Artemia with spinach, allowing it to serve as a nutrient-enhanced live feed. Compounds in the spinach leaf were extracted with methanol and analysed through GC-MS to identify potential growth-related compounds. LC50 analysis (1,000 ppm–2,000 ppm) was conducted on Artemia to determine the optimal enrichment concentration (1,600 ppm) before use in larval feeding. Results indicated spinach contains compounds such as steroids (5.9%), palmitic acid (5.2%), oleic acid (2.5%) and flavonoids (3.6%) that can potentially improve larval growth. Toxicity analysis showed that the 1,600 ppm treatment was the LC50, meaning it is the optimal concentration for Artemia enrichment, delivering the highest amount of bioactive compounds without affecting Artemia survival. Larvae were fed spinach-enriched Artemia (1,600 ppm) and compared with unenriched Artemia (control). The 1,600 ppm treatment resulted in significantly higher survival at various larval stages (Z1–Z2: 82.6%, Z2–Z3: 91.9%, M–C1: 38.1%), shorter intermoult periods for Z2–Z3 (2.9 days), Z3–Z4 (3.1 days), and M–C1 (3.8 days) and higher SGR (M: 22.5% day⁻¹, C1: 24.5% day⁻¹). Larval steroid analysis supported these findings, with treatment 1,600 ppm yielding higher steroid levels across all stages (511.63–3953 pg/mL), suggesting that spinach-derived steroids may stimulate moulting and enhance larval growth and survival.
Assessing clenbuterol’s modulation of metabolic and inflammatory pathways in Nile tilapia (Oreochromas niloticous) fed high fat diet Aya G. Rashwan, Doaa H. Assar, Abdallah S. Salah, Muyassar H. Abualreesh, Shimaa M. R. Salem, et al. Scientific Reports, 2025 This study was performed to reveal the metabolic effects and molecular mechanisms that govern the dietary incorporation of clenbuterol on growth performance, haemato-biochemical changes, histological alteration, and gene expression regulating glucose and lipid metabolism in normal and high-fat diets fed in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Six experimental diets were formulated, incorporating different concentrations of clenbuterol. The 1st three groups were supplemented with a diet comprising 6% fat, with clenbuterol of 0, 5, and 10 g/kg diet was designated as F6 clenb0, F6clenb5, and F6clenb10, respectively. The other treatment groups were fed a diet of 12% fat, with clenbuterol 0, 5, and 10 g/kg diet, respectively termed F12 clenb0, F12 clenb5, and F12 clenb10. The results revealed that compared to the control group, HFD exhibited a marked reduction in FBW, BWG, PER, and body protein percent but significantly increased the FCR, IPF, liver fat percent, and body ash percent with altered hematological parameters, raised serum biomarkers of hepatic and renal injury. HFD signally raised mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and declined nrf2 and antioxidative function-related genes. Also increased mRNA expression of lipogenic genes as FAS and SREBP-1c and gluconeogenic genes as pepck and g6pc while downregulated, pparα, cpt1, acox1. Nevertheless, clenbuterol supplementation significantly reversed the aforementioned findings induced by HFD. Clenbuterol inclusion significantly improves growth performance and antioxidant defenses by modulating nrf2 signaling and reducing inflammatory response, reduces fatty acid synthesis, and enhances mitochondrial β-oxidation not only functioning as a lipid regulator and effectively alleviating fat accumulation in the liver but playing an essential role in the control of glucose metabolism by reducing hepatic glucose production in high-fat diet-fed Nile tilapias well.
Herbal Medicine Efficacy in Enhancing Crustacean Growth, Ovarian Maturation, and Immunity: A Review Ariffin Hidir, Mohd Amran Aaqillah-Amr, Alias Redzuari, Zulkifli Hajar-Azira Muyassar H. Abualreesh, Hanafiah Fazhan, et al. Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science, 2025 Crabs, lobsters, prawns, and shrimp are among the most highly prized crustaceans in the aquaculture industry and contribute significantly to the global economy. In crustacean farming, artificial chemotherapeutic drugs have been used to improve growth, ovarian maturation, and immunity. However, dependence on chemotherapeutics promotes antibiotic-resistant bacteria, pollutes the environment, and poses risks for human consumption. Therefore, the primary goal of this review article is to identify the various plants used to improve the growth, spawning, and immunity of crustaceans. The findings indicate that plants and herbs such as amaranth, soursop leaf, mulberry leaf, olive, cajuput, bitterweed, Shepherd’s needle, Indian borage, Chinese skullcap, and Indian gooseberry can enhance crustacean growth. Herbs like common senduduk can promote ovarian maturation, resulting in 100% spawned crustaceans. Plants such as guava leaves, tall-stilt mangrove leaves, chaihu, Indian ginseng, rosemary, mangrove cannonball trees, lechuguilla, moringa, neem, screw pine, Indian gooseberry, solanum, buton forest onion, roselle, giant sensitive trees, and Tasmanian blue gum have been verified to have medicinal properties that can boost crustacean immunity. In conclusion, the knowledge gained from these findings may drive future research aimed at developing natural supplements or treatments to enhance growth, reproduction, and immune functions, ultimately benefiting crustacean farming.
Effects of Eyestalk Ablation and Limb Autotomy on Moulting, Growth and Survival Rate of Orange Mud Crab, Scylla olivacea Juveniles for the Production of Soft-Shell Crabs Mhd Ikhwanuddin, Hanafiah Fazhan, Youji Wang, Alexander Chong Shu Chien, Muyassar H. Abualreesh, et al. Sains Malaysiana, 2025 Soft-shell crabs are highly sought after due to their ease of storage and can be eaten whole, including the outer carapace. The high demand for soft-shell crabs leads to the exploration of different production techniques and methods. This study explores the effect of limb autotomy, eyestalk ablation and their combinations on the duration and success rate till the next moulting, and the size increment and survival rate of male juveniles of Scylla olivacea after moult. Additionally, female juveniles were also subjected to limb autotomy to investigate the potential impact of sex on their response to the procedure. Full limb autotomy (T2), either alone or with eyestalk ablation (T4), induced the fastest moulting (average 33 d and 39 d, respectively), followed by eyestalk ablation (average 57 d) and control (average 82 d). Limb autotomy, either alone or with eyestalk ablation, resulted in 100% and 90% moulting success, respectively, whereas that of eyestalk ablation and control was 50% and 56.83%, respectively. Crabs subjected to both moult-inducing techniques had the lowest size and weight gain after moulting. Females moulted faster than males in natural conditions, but this was negligible when limb autotomy was introduced. Limb autotomy had no impact on the CW increment and survival rate of both sexes, but greatly reduced their BW increment. Thus, limb autotomy can be incorporated in the production of soft-shell crabs to reduce turnover time.
