Herbal Immunomodulators in Aquaculture Systems
Summary
Herbal immunomodulators are plant‐derived compounds introduced into aquafeeds to enhance the immune competence of cultured fish and shellfish. These botanicals contain diverse bioactive constituents—such as polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids and polysaccharides—that can stimulate both innate and adaptive immune responses, improve antioxidant defences and promote growth performance. In intensive aquaculture, disease outbreaks and antibiotic resistance pose significant challenges; herbal additives offer a sustainable alternative by reducing pathogen susceptibility and limiting chemical residues in the environment. Practical applications span freshwater and marine species and include dietary supplementation of extracts, powders or essential oils of widely available plants. Global research has demonstrated improved survival rates following challenge with bacterial pathogens, enhanced mucosal and systemic immune indices and optimised feed conversion. Further investigations focus on dosage optimisation, elucidation of molecular pathways and integration of herbal blends to achieve broad‐spectrum protection and resilient aquaculture systems.
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Herbal Immunomodulators in Aquaculture Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in herbal immunomodulators in aquaculture systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Immunomodulator: A substance that alters or regulates one or more components of the immune system, thereby enhancing resistance to disease.
Innate immunity: The non‐specific, first‐line defence mechanism comprising physical barriers, cellular responses (e.g. phagocytosis) and soluble factors (e.g. lysozyme).
Mucosal immunity: Immune protection at mucous‐covered surfaces (such as gills and gut) involving secreted antibodies, enzymes and antimicrobial peptides.
Feed conversion ratio (FCR): A measure of feed efficiency calculated as the mass of feed consumed divided by the mass gain of the animal; lower values indicate more efficient growth.
References
- Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis) Powder in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Feed: Effects on Growth, Immunity, and Yersinia ruckeri Resistance. Aquaculture Nutrition (2023).
- Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Extract Enhances Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Growth Performance, Serum and Mucus Innate Immune Responses and Resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila Challenge. Animals (2021).
- Effect of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Extract as an Immunostimulant on Serum and Skin Mucus Immune Parameters, Transcriptomic Responses of Immune-Related Gene, and Disease Resistance Against Yersinia ruckeri in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2022).
- Application of Herbal Dietary Supplements in Aquaculture – A Review. Annals of Animal Science (2024).
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