Anesthetic effects of valerian extract (Valeriana officinalis), lemongrass extract (Cymbopogon citratus) and clove powder (Eugenia caryophyllata) on Sterlet sturgeon, (Acipenser ruthenus)

The anesthetic effects of Valeriana officinalis (valerian) and Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) extracts and Eugenia caryophyllata (clove) powder were examined on juvenile sterlet sturgeon, Acipenser ruthenus to determine their optimal concentration to evaluate the possibility of these extracts as a potential replacement for clove tree flowers. In this study sterlet juveniles averaged 86.2±11.7g in weight and 29.7±1.05cm in length were exposed to 45, 60, 75 and 90 mL/L valerian extract, 3, 5, 7 and 10 mL/L lemongrass extract and also 2000, 3500 and 5000 mg/L clove powder by immersion method. The Results revealed anesthetic effects of all three compounds on sterlet sturgeon. Considering the time required for anesthesia and recovery, the 60mL/L, 5mL/L and 3500mg/L doses were determined as optimum concentrations for valerian and lemongrass extracts and clove powder, respectively. Since the valerian and lemongrass extracts were very effective in inducing anesthesia in this study, their use as an anesthetic agent in aquaculture activities is recommended.