Dietary Rosmarinic Acid Improved the Growth, Immunity and Antioxidation of Litopenaeus vannamei

Abstract

Simple Summary Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a polyphenolic acid widely existing in the plants of the Lamiaceae and Boraginaceae families, which exhibits a variety of biological activities, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigated the effects of dietary RA supplementation on the growth performance, immune and antioxidant enzyme activities, hepatopancreatic and intestinal histology, and disease resistance of Litopenaeus vannamei. A transcriptomic analysis of hepatopancreas was also conducted to explore potential underlying molecular associations. The results revealed that dietary RA improved the growth performance, immune and antioxidant functions of L. vannamei, and increased resistance to Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that RA may affect multiple biological processes, including the arachidonic acid metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, and peroxisome pathways, among others. The findings will direct the application of RA in aquafeeds to promote the green and sustainable development of the aquaculture industry.