A mini-review on plant-derived phenolic compounds with particular emphasis on their possible applications and beneficial uses in aquaculture

Abstract The use of most antibiotics has been restricted and banned in finfish and shrimp farms due to several reasons comprising their long-lasting persistence in aquatic environments, relatively high prices, and their ability to promote the existence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Hence, finding economical, natural, and environmentally safe alternatives is of great importance. The use of polyphenols, polyphenol-rich plants, and plant-derived phenolic compounds for promoting aquatic animal health and welfare could be from the effective strategies for developing aquafeed and maintaining the sustainability of the aquaculture industry. Several plants are gorgeous in various bioactive functional ingredients known as phytochemicals and polyphenols. Phenolic compounds could be successfully used as natural immunostimulants in order to raise the immunity of finfish and shrimp species against several bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections and thus may replace the use of antimicrobial agents. Besides their potential roles for improvement of the growth performance, intestinal health, and enhancing the antioxidant capacity of the treated animals. Even though the trend of using plant-derived phenolic compounds is a new and leading era for the improvement of the functionality of aquafeed and the development of the aquaculture industry, there are fundamental needs and necessities to describe a clear understanding of their modes of action and potential roles in the improvement of the production rates, antioxidant activity, immune status, and disease resistance of farmed fish and shrimp.