Immunomodulatory Effects of Herbal Polysaccharides in Aquaculture

Herbal polysaccharides have emerged as a promising class of immunostimulants in aquaculture, offering a sustainable alternative to antibiotics and chemical therapeutics. These complex carbohydrates, extracted from botanical sources such as Astragalus membranaceus, Atractylodes macrocephala and Rehmannia glutinosa, interact with fish and shellfish immune systems to enhance disease resistance, improve antioxidant defences and support growth performance. At the molecular level, polysaccharides activate pattern recognition receptors on immune cells, triggering cascades that upregulate pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, elevate lysozyme activity and stimulate phagocytosis. In addition to bolstering innate immunity, certain polysaccharides modulate adaptive responses by influencing immunoglobulin production and lymphocyte proliferation. Their antioxidant properties mitigate oxidative stress by inducing enzyme systems such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, thereby protecting tissues from reactive oxygen species generated during infection or environmental challenge. Dosage optimisation is critical: sub-optimal levels may lack efficacy, whereas excess quantities can provoke inflammation or organ damage. Collectively, these findings highlight the dual role of herbal polysaccharides in promoting aquaculture health and productivity, aligning with global efforts to reduce chemical inputs, enhance animal welfare and deliver safer seafood products.

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Immunomodulatory Effects of Herbal Polysaccharides in Aquaculture publication trend

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Technical terms

Polysaccharide: A long-chain carbohydrate composed of monosaccharide units, often with immunostimulatory properties.

Immunomodulation: The alteration of immune system activity, either by stimulation or suppression, to achieve a desired response.

Cytokine: A signalling protein secreted by immune cells that regulates inflammation and cell communications.

Phagocytosis: The process by which specialised immune cells engulf and digest pathogens and debris.

Antioxidant Enzymes: Enzymatic proteins (e.g., superoxide dismutase, catalase) that neutralise reactive oxygen species to protect cells from damage.

References

1. The Combination of β-Glucan and Astragalus Polysaccharide Effectively Resists Nocardia seriolae Infection in Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides). Microorganisms (2023).
2. Effects of Astragalus membranaceus Polysaccharides on Growth Performance, Physiological and Biochemical Parameters, and Expression of Genes Related to Lipid Metabolism of Spotted Sea Bass, Lateolabrax maculatus. Aquaculture Nutrition (2023).
3. Tolerance Assessment of Atractylodes macrocephala Polysaccharide in the Diet of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides). Antioxidants (2022).