An update about beneficial effects of medicinal plants in aquaculture: A review

Abstract

Aquaculture is an essential and growing component of agricultural and global ecosystems worldwide. Aquaculture provides more than 25% of the total aquatic food consumption by humans. The development of the aquaculture industry should be followed in successive industrial years, and therefore it is necessary to pay attention to the management and type of farming system that is compatible with the environment. The use of antibiotics for disease control has been criticised for their negative effects, including the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the suppression of the immune system and the environment, and the accumulation of residue in aquatic tissues. The use of these products reduces the need for treatments, enhances the effect of vaccines, and, in turn, improves production indicators. Medicinal plants have increasingly been used in recent years as a disease control strategy in aquaculture, boosting the immune system of aquatic animals and helping to develop strong resistance to a wide range of pathogens. Therefore, this review aims to provide an overview of the recent evidence on the beneficial use of medicinal plants to promote growth and strengthen the immune system in farmed aquatic animals.

Terminalia arjuna Bark Powder as a Potential Immunomodulator in Labeo rohita: Enhanced Hematological, Adaptive, and Humoral Responses against Bacterial Pathogens and Concordant Liver Histomorphology

“…The specific immune system is activated when the innate immune system is overwhelmed, and it includes antibodies and cell-mediated responses. There is growing evidence that herbs can have a positive impact on the immune response of fish [ 22 ]. For example, a study by [ 23 ] found that the long-term feeding of herbs to fish resulted in an increase in serum total protein, haemato-biochemical, and humoral responses.…”

Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Defence in Muscle Tissue of Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus Mitchill after in vitro Treatment with Extracts from the Roots and Stems of Chelidonium majus L.

“…The use of natural extracts as dietary supplements or additives in aquafeeds holds great promise for improving the health and performance of farmed fish. By reducing oxidative stress and enhancing antioxidant defences, these extracts may contribute to improved growth, immunity, and stress tolerance in aquatic species (Dügenci et al, 2003;Xavier et al, 2020;Dadras et al, 2023;Quagliardi et al, 2024). In addition, the potential role of GC extracts in preserving the quality and shelf-life of fish products warrants further investigation, as this may have implications for fisheries management and seafood industry practices (Hasan et al, 2021).…”