Medicinal herbs: The missing link to sustainable aquaculture

Abstract

Aquaculture, given its direct role in the human diet, mandates strict quality assurance and health protocols. Healthy fish require a strong immune system to defend themselves from a broad spectrum of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Stimulating the immune system is a prevalent measure taken to ensure satisfactory immune response and disease control. Measures against disease outbreaks are available, such as chemoprophylaxis with vaccines, chemical therapeutics, and antibiotics. All of which, alongside their benefits, pose certain risks to the fish’s habitat and itself. Natural substances extracted from herbs or their parts (roots, leaves, etc) tend to be the most effective therapeutics with the least adverse effects. In this study, natural remedies have been discussed as a potent method of preventive care in aquaculture.