Utilizing Medicinal Plants for Disease Treatment in Aquaculture: An Approach to Improve Fish Health

Abstract

Botanicals were being used more and more in aquaculture to promote fish health as well as for disease prevention. In this review, we discuss the efficacy of botanicals in aquaculture worldwide and go through their modes of action that might play a key role in these activities. Similarly, some plants with well documented broad-spectrum antimicrobial, immunomodulatory activity, and antioxidant properties. These can be advantageous as supplements in fish feed to stimulate the immune function of fish. Plant extracts may exert positive effects on animal health through different modes rather than relying solely on a single mode. Using herbs as dietary additives has been shown to enhance immunity defense mechanisms. Recently, botanical treatments have been incorporated into aquaculture, resulting in increased growth rates and disease resistance, thus giving rise to more sustainable practices. Work was still being done in this area to find new bioactive compounds, understand how they work, and identify delivery systems that will ensure the compound reaches cells where needed. They can be incorporated with sustainable approaches, such as the aquaponics system, and possibly remain organic accredited, all while decreasing chemical residue on food products and sustaining environmental wellness. These emerging botanical approaches promise environmentally sustainable strategies for disease management in aquaculture, supporting the consumer shift to demand safe and sustainably produced seafood. The advantages that botanical treatments offer indicate them as essential tools for the development of a sustainable and eco-friendly aquaculture industry