Open Veterinary Journal, (2025), Vol. 16(1): 15-25

Review Article

10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i1.2

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

Khalidah S. Al-Niaeem¹, Kadhim H. Al-Kanani², Amjed K. Resen³, Qusai S. Jumma^4* and Ali A. Abd⁵

¹Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Basrah, Basra, Iraq

²Fisheries and Marine Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq

³College of Health and Medical Technologies, Al-Maaqal University, Basrah, Iraq

⁴Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Science, Tikrit University, Tikrit, Iraq

⁵Department of Surgery and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Medicine, Tikrit University, Tikrit, Iraq

*Corresponding Author: Qusai S. Jumma. Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Science, Tikrit University, Tikrit, Iraq. Email: jrcastro [at] ull.edu.es; qusaisaleh [at] tu.edu.iq

Submitted: 19/09/2025 Revised: 01/12/2025 Accepted: 10/12/2025 Published: 31/01/2026

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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.

Keywords: Disease resistance, Growth, Immune, Medicinal plant, Plant extracts.

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Introduction

Aquaculture is an important source of animal protein worldwide and has expanded significantly in recent years to meet growing food demand, particularly with the decrease in wild fisheries (FAO, 2020). The aquaculture industry faces several challenges, including the spread of infectious diseases that affect fish productivity and quality (Syed-Hasani, 2022). Antibiotics are extensively used in aquaculture to manage bacterial pathogens and improve fish performance (Dawood et al., 2017; Chen et al., 2020; Chowdhury et al., 2022). However, the continued use of aquaculture antibiotics has enhanced the natural selective pressures on microbial communities, leading to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains that are capable of widespread dissemination and causing severe infections (Gao et al., 2012; Jumma, 2024; Oday et al., 2024). These resistant bacteria can negatively impact aquaculture production, fish consumers, and aquatic environments (Watts et al., 2017; Elsabagh et al., 2018; Won et al., 2020). Antibiotic resistance is currently the most serious global threat to the effective treatment of bacterial infections. This bacterial resistance to antibiotics is due to reduced reliance on antibiotics due to their negative environmental effects and the emergence of microbial resistance (Cabello, 2006; Al-Shammari, 2023; Sabah et al., 2024). Therefore, research efforts have focused on adopting sustainable natural alternatives that enhance fish health and support their growth, most notably the use of plant extracts and medicinal plants (Tadese et al., 2021; Qaddoori, 2023; Elgendy et al., 2024; Fadel et al., 2025). Medicinal plants are defined as those that contain biologically active compounds such as volatile oils, flavonoids, and phenols, which are used for therapeutic or medicinal purposes in the fisheries fields and veterinary (Yılmaz and Tan, 2023; Ahmed, 2023). Plant extracts are concentrated compounds from plants extracted by using various methods, such as organic solvents, used to improve disease resistance and enhance immunity in fish more effectively than whole plants (Soltani, 2019; Attia et al., 2025; Bashar et al., 2025). Studies indicate that these substances work in multiple ways, including improving digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive enzymes, modifying the intestinal microbial balance, and enhancing nonspecific immune defenses, which positively impacts growth rates and resistance to environmental stresses (Syed-Hasani, 2022; Essa et al., 2025; Sarmad et al., 2025). Additionally, the dietary administration of peppermint promotes growth performance and increases the main humoral immune parameters (both at mucosal and systemic level) and the number of the endogenous lactic acid bacteria of brown trout (Adel et al., 2015; Al-Turaihi, 2023; Samer, 2023; Al-Shammari, 2025; JaliI et al., 2025).

The primary aims of this review are fourfold. First, it seeks to synthesize and critically evaluate current scientific evidence regarding the role of medicinal plants and their extracts in improving fish nutrition, growth, and immune responses. Second, it aims to identify the most effective dosages, preparation techniques, and administration methods employed in aquaculture systems. Third, the review assesses the methodological discrepancies, experimental constraints, and interpretive limitations that characterize existing studies, thereby clarifying factors that may influence the reliability or generalizability of results. Finally, it proposes informed recommendations for future research and outlines pathways for translating experimental findings into sustainable, large-scale industrial applications.

A review of published studies from 2015 to 2025 for the effects of medicinal plants and extracts on fish from 2015 to 2025

The review was conducted on studies published from 2015 to 2025. The studies on fish were selected according to the effects of medicinal plants and extracts on growth indicators, immunity, resistance to disease, and physiological and chemical characteristics of fish. The studies were classified by the types of substances (whole plant versus concentrated extract), fish species, and application methods (feed additive, growth promoter, or immunomodulation). Studies from 2015 to 2025 (Table 1) showed that the addition of whole medicinal plants to fish feeds resulted in a significant improvement in growth and immunity performance across various studies using intermediate concentrations of whole plants or extracts. In addition, some studies have indicated that the mixture of probiotics and herbs (2019, 2024) demonstrated synergistic effects, resulting in greater enhancement of both growth and immunity. The results from the two tables indicate that the use of medicinal plants as feed additives in aquacultures has become a growing field over the past decade (2015–2025), as numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of these plants in enhancing growth, immunity, and feed efficiency. Early studies, as summarized in Tables 2 and 3, demonstrated significant benefits of incorporating 1% garlic (Allium sativum) powder into Nile tilapia feed for 60 days. These dietary additions notably improve hematological parameters, feed conversion efficiency, and growth, primarily due to allicin, a compound known for its antibacterial and immune-stimulation properties (Mehrim, 2015). The administration of allicin (128 µg/ ml) has a substantial effect on the synthesis of extracellular polysaccharide components and their ability to adhere to surfaces, compared to the aline control group (Cutler et al., 2004). Allicin is also notable for its ability to prevent the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms and quorum-sensing-regulate the generation of virulence components by reducing the expression of specific enzymes and toxins (elastase and exotoxin A) (Lihua et al., 2013). Allicin may be a viable option for inhibiting the formation and development of P. aeruginosa biofilms (Lihua et al., 2013).

Table 1. Selected studies on whole medicinal plants as dietary and immunostimulant additives in aquaculture (2015–2025).

Table 2. List of medicinal plants used in the studies.

Table 3. Dosages, methods of application, and main effects.

Studies have indicated that garlic extract contributes to immune system strength and growth promotion by improving gut microbiome health and physiological function (Valenzuela-Gutiérrez, 2021; Al-Hasson et al., 2025). Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and its active component curcumin have also drawn attention since 2017. Abdel-Tawwab et al. (2017) reported that curcumin supplementation at doses of 200–400 mg/kg was able to significantly enhance non-specific immunity and resistance to infection caused by Aeromonas hydrophila. Additional evidence corroborates the potent antioxidant effect of curcumin, reduction of oxidative stress, and ability to boost Nile tilapia production (Mahmoud et al., 2017; Al-Niaeem et al., 2025). Recent research has highlighted the potential of curcumin in red tilapia diet, improving growth, blood parameters, and liver function, thereby positioning it as a promising natural alternative to chemical stimulants (Radwan, 2024). Aromatic herbs such as thyme (Thymus spp.) have also been shown to be effective in fish health management. Active compounds such as carvacrol and thymol demonstrate improvement in immune response and reduction in oxidative stress when used in freshwater species such as trout and tilapia between 2018 and 2022. Low doses ranging from 0.5 to 2 g/kg were consistent in delivering stable results (Hafsan, 2022). Additionally, peppermint (Mentha spp.) has proven effective in enhancing appetite and stabilizing the intestinal microbiome, with recent findings highlighting improved growth rates and disease resistance following supplementation over a period of 30–45 days (Zahran, 2020). Studies on basil (Ocimum basilicum) emphasize its versatility in aquaculture applications. Eugenol-rich extract from basil has been shown to improve growth and immunity in trout, besides serving as a naturally sedative during fish transport, a beneficial trait for farm operations (Noorbakhsh, 2024). Similarly, coriander (Coriandrum sativum), known for its linalool content, has a notable advantage in enhancing the immune system and reducing bacterial infection in tilapia through dietary supplementation (Das et al., 2023; Said, 2023). Several studies (2019–2024) have shown that black seed (Nigella sativa) and its thymoquinone compounds play a prominent role in increasing immunity efficiency and reducing inflammation, while improving growth rates in different fish species (Alberts et al., 2024). Based on the above, the period between 2015 and 2025 witnessed an accumulation of knowledge about the importance of medicinal plants in aquaculture, with most studies agreeing that the optimal dosage ranges from 0.5 to 3 g/kg feed for 30–60 days. However, some variability in the results was due to differences in preparation and extraction methods, the fish species studied, and rearing conditions. Therefore, further long-term studies are needed to accurately determine the optimal dosages, standard preparation protocols, and chemical characteristics of extracts, especially in commercial production settings. In general, studies have concluded that whole medicinal plants and concentrated extracts have multifaceted positive effects on fish, including immunity, gut health, and growth. However, appropriate dosages must be selected to avoid toxic effects at higher concentrations. The results of recent studies also indicate that medicinal plants and extracts provide an effective and sustainable biological solution to improve fish health in aquaculture systems, as they combat pathogens, enhance innate immunity, improve digestion, reduce the need for antibiotics, and limit their associated health and environmental risks (Zahran, 2020; Tadese et al., 2021; Valenzuela-Gutiérrez, 2021; Yılmaz and Tan, 2023; Kadhim et al., 2023; Al-Turaihi and Al-Niaeem, 2024; Alberts et al., 2024; Radwan, 2024; Sumana et al., 2025; Abu-Zahra et al., 2025). However, there are clear differences in efficacy depending on the plant type, supplement form (whole plant or extract), concentration used, and target fish species. Concentrated extracts, such as curcumin and garlic, typically exhibit stronger immune-boosting effects, but they require careful dosage adjustment to avoid toxicity or side effects (Yılmaz and Tan, 2023).

Factors affecting the use of plants and plant extracts as fish immunostimulants

Recent evidence indicates that the effectiveness of medicinal plants and plant extracts as nutritional and immunological additives in aquaculture largely depends on the plant variety, the plant type, the parts used, such as leaves, roots, or seeds, and the extraction method. These factors affect the concentration of active compounds and, consequently, the plant’s biological efficacy (Tables 4–8) (Dadras et al., 2023; Yılmaz and Tan, 2023). Determining the optimal dosage is essential for achieving the desired benefits, as excessive doses, especially when using concentrated extracts, can lead to toxic effects in fish (Chahardehi et al., 2020; Yılmaz and Tan, 2023; Grădinariu et al., 2025). Among the most prominent active compounds that play a pivotal role in stimulating the immune response and improving growth and disease resistance are allicin in garlic, curcumin in turmeric, and phenols and volatile oils in thyme (Tadese et al., 2021). These plants play an important role in improving the intestinal microbiome of fish by enhancing digestion efficiency, nutrient absorption, and overall digestive health (Syed Hasani, 2022). Plant extracts play a vital role in enhancing the non-specific immune response of fish by stimulating certain degradative enzymes, such as lysozyme, and boosting antioxidant molecules such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). In addition, studies have shown that these extracts provide antioxidant effects that reduce the accumulation of free radicals and oxidative stress, thus supporting fish growth and improving their ability to cope with environmental and infection stresses. From an environmental and economic perspective, the use of medicinal plants reduces the reliance on antibiotics, thus limiting the risks of antibiotic resistance and preserving biodiversity in aquatic environments (Soltani, 2019; Tadese et al., 2021; Syed Hasani, 2022). Despite these benefits, research faces significant challenges, such as variations in experimental design, a lack of long-term studies, and a lack of standardization in protocols, which affects the generalizability of results (Tadese et al., 2021). Local studies are of particular importance, as local plants demonstrate adaptation to local environmental conditions and have proven effective in enhancing fish health and growth. Iraqi research has also shown encouraging results. To maximize the benefits of these additives, it is recommended that they be integrated with modern technology, such as combining plant extracts with probiotics and using artificial intelligence to monitor doses and analyze fish responses, to ensure maximum efficiency and safety (Syed Hasani, 2022). Finally, training and raising awareness for aquaculture workers and farmers is essential to inform them of best practices and to avoid the risk of indiscriminate use of these plant additives.

Table 4. Summary of the concentrated plant extracts.

Table 5. Comparison of application methods.

Table 6. Immunological and physiological indicators.

Table 7. Side effects and toxicity evaluation.

Table 8. Analysis of effectiveness by fish species.

Role of medicinal plants in enhancing aquaculture sustainability through water quality improvement and bioremediation

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in using medicinal plants as natural solutions to improve water quality in aquaculture systems with environmental sustainability because water quality is important to keep fish healthy and productive (Barman, 2020; Effendi et al., 2022). This plant contains active compounds, such as phenols, alkaloids, and volatile oils, which have a double action and help reduce organic and chemical pollution from water by enhancing beneficial microbe activity for the biodegradation of fish organic and waste matter accumulation in ponds (Kumar, 2021; Demarco et al., 2023). Studies indicate that the application of medicinal plant extracts to aquaculture systems could effectively reduce ammonia, nitrate, and phosphate concentrations and hinder harmful algae proliferation (Yusoff et al., 2024; Zhou, 2024). Plants such as basil, mint, and turmeric can be antibacterial (Ilić et al., 2021). Inhibition of pathogenic bacteria reduces the reliance on chemical antibiotics (Hlordzi, 2020). The benefits extend beyond improving fish health to the overall environmental stability of the aquaculture system (Demarco et al., 2023; Majeed et al., 2025). Result in an operationally efficient system that reduces the negative effects on the surrounding ecosystem. Medicinal plants can also be used as natural bioremediation agents because they can absorb heavy metals and organic pollutants through both their roots and leaves (Barman, 2020; Effendi et al., 2022). They also encourage the growth of pollutant-degrading microorganisms, resulting in a clean and more stable aquatic environment. When applied along with new farming methods, such as water reuse and integrated aquaculture systems, these plants increased the environmental advantage by reducing waste and supporting a greater degree of sustainability in fishery operations. The addition of medicinal plants to aquaculture activities shows potential as a method for improving water conditions, fish health, and reducing environmental effects. This fits with the latest changes in intelligent and last-generation aquaculture systems. It provides a route to greener and more effective actions in the field (Barman, 2020; Effendi et al., 2022; Demarco et al., 2023; Majeed et al., 2025).

Immune enhancement and mechanisms of environmental adaptation of fish by using medicinal plants

Climate change poses increasing challenges to aquacultures, as increased stress, fluctuating water quality, and rising temperatures in ecosystems lead to weakened immunity and the spread of diseases among fish (Okon and Mbokane, 2024). To respond to these pressures, the use of medicinal plants has emerged as a natural means to enhance the ability of fish to adapt to environmental changes (Sumana et al., 2025).

A medicinal plant contains biologically active compounds, such as volatile oils, flavonoids, and phenols, which enhance innate and adaptive immunity responses in fish (Dev et al., 2024). When extracts of these plants are introduced to water or feed, the following occurs:

1. Immunity system activation: Increased production of cytokines such as Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha and Interleukin-1 beta, and stimulation of defensive enzymes, such as lysozyme, enhances the ability of fish to combat infection under fluctuating environmental conditions (Sumana et al., 2025).
2. Pathogen control: Some plants, such as basil, garlic, ginger, and turmeric, possess antifungal and antibacterial properties, which reduce disease burdens in ponds and limit the spread of disease associated with climate change (Reverter et al., 2020).
3. Improve tolerance to water and heat stress: Plant compounds reduce damage caused by oxidative stress resulting from higher temperatures and maintain the balance of vital hormones and ions in fish, contributing to improved physiological stability (Combe et al., 2023).

Examples of medicinal plants used

• Turmeric (Curcuma longa) contains curcumin, which reduces oxidative stress and boosts immunity in fish.
• Garlic (Allium sativum) enhances white blood cell activity and antibacterial properties.
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale) reduces inflammation and improves heat stress tolerance.
• Basil (Ocimum basilicum) reduces harmful microbe growth and improves gut health.

Environmental and productive benefits

The targeted application of medicinal plants plays a vital role in mitigating diseases and boosting immunity in fish, enabling them to better withstand abrupt environmental changes, such as water contamination, oxygen shortage, and temperature shifts (Combe et al., 2023; Okon and Mbokane, 2024). This approach promotes steady production and enhances the long-term sustainability of the aquaculture system, while decreasing the reliance on chemical treatment and antibiotics, thereby reducing environmental harm (Reverter et al., 2020). Research highlights the efficiency of medicinal plants in supporting fish adaptation to the challenge posed by climate change. By strengthening immune responses, tackling pathogens, and improving resilience to environmental stressors, these plants help maintain sustainable, productive, and overall fish health in unpredictable conditions. Integrating medicinal plants into intelligent aquaculture.

Future applications

Scientific investigations have underscored the pivotal role of plant diversity in enhancing the nutritional and immunomodulatory properties of medicinal plants used in aquaculture. The efficacy of these plants varies according to the species, the specific plant part utilized, and the extraction method applied, thereby necessitating a comprehensive evaluation of each plant to determine the optimal conditions for use. Consequently, the development of concentrated plant extracts enriched with bioactive compounds, such as phenolics, curcumin, and allicin, is expected to gain increasing importance. This strategy emphasizes precise dose optimization to maximize therapeutic benefit while minimizing effects of potential toxicity (Syed Hasani, 2022; Yılmaz and Tan, 2023; Sarmad et al., 2025).

Furthermore, the beneficial effect of these plant-based interventions on gut microbiome balance can be harnessed to promote fish health and improve feed conversion efficiency, thereby supporting more sustainable aquaculture practices (Syed Hasani, 2022). In addition to their nutritional benefits, phytochemicals also stimulate non-specific immunity, providing a natural defense against common pathogens such as Aeromonas hydrophila (Nadia et al., 2025). This approach reduces the reliance on antibiotics and mitigates the emergence of bacterial resistance, thereby addressing major challenges in modern aquaculture (Soltani, 2019; Semwal et al., 2023).

The protocols of applying these plant supplements in practice are as follows:

• Plant and extract selection: Selected plants were based on proven efficiency and active compound studies, with preference given to concentrate extracts to ensure dosage and quality control.
• Dosage: Start with intermediate doses (1–3 g/kg feed) and adjust according to fish response.
• Application method: Incorporate plant additives into the feed after thorough mixing to ensure proper storage conditions to maintain the quality of the extracts.
• Duration of application: No less than 30 days to ensure a significant effect on immunity and growth.
• Evaluation: Monitor growth parameters, general health, and analyze immune enzyme activity every 15 days.
• Safety: To identify any adverse effects, short- and long-term toxicity assessments were conducted (Abubakar and Haque, 2020; Awad et al., 2021).

On the environmental and economic levels, the use of these naturally additives enhances environmental sustainability and reduces chemical pollution in the aquatic environment, as well as reducing production costs associated with the use of antibiotics and traditional treatments. On the other hand, the field faces challenges such as the lack of long-term studies and variations in experimental design, which requires a standard, research protocols, and unified evaluation criteria (Tadese, 2021).

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Conclusion

Recent research highlights the effectiveness of medicinal plants and plant extracts as natural solutions for boosting immunity and growth in fish. These additives help reduce antibiotic dependence while supporting aquaculture’s environmental and economic sustainability. Their Benefits paid primarily by mechanisms such as improving gut microbiome health, stimulating non-specific immunity, and enhancing antioxidant activity. However, despite 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.

These studies confirm the need for long-term research to assess the safety and effectiveness of medicinal plants and concentrated extracts across different fish species. These investigations are crucial for achieving the intended benefits while minimizing the potential risks. This study further advocates for the development of a clear protocol to identify optimal dosages and suitable application methods tailored to specific plants and fish species, building on the experimental designs outlined in earlier studies. Moreover, it promotes the integration of medicinal plants with advanced biotechnology, such as probiotics and artificial intelligence, to enhance the monitoring of nutritional and immune health and ensure safer and more efficient applications. The study also underlines the importance of training and awareness programs for farmers and aquaculture workers, enabling them to adopt best practices and avoid the indiscriminate use of plant-based additives. Finally, it calls for ongoing environmental evaluation to analyze the effect of plant extracts on aquatic ecosystems, especially when applied on a commercial scale, to safeguard the sustainability of the environment and maintain safe fish production.

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Acknowledgments

We acknowledge the help and support provided by the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Basrah, for conducting this research work.

Conflict of interest

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Funding

No grant was received for this study, and it has been self-funded.

Authors’ contributions

Dr. Khalidah S. Al-Niaeem was the corresponding author of this article. Kadhim H. Al-Kanani, Amjed K. Resen, Qusai S. Jumma and Ali A. Abd was responsible for study observations and research management. These authors contributed equally contributed equally to this work.

Data availability

All data are provided in the revised manuscript.

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