Use of medicinal plants and plant extracts as nutritional and immunological additives in aquaculture: A review study

Abstract

Medicinal plants and extracts are natural food additives used in aquacultures to improve fish health by improving immune performance, promoting growth, promoting disease resistance, and reducing oxidative stress. A review of recent scientific studies from 2015 to 2025 was conducted to summarize the plant species and extracts used, their biological mechanisms of action, effective dosages, and methodological challenges. The phenolic compounds, volatile oils, and antioxidants present in these plants enhance the activity of digestive enzymes and stimulate nonspecific immunity, thereby improving fish health and production quality. This review discusses the significant benefits of medicinal plants and extracts. There is a need to standardize experiments and analyze long-term safety and establish regulation standards to ensure the quality of products and their sustainable application in aquacultures.