Effective herbal therapeutics against the protozoan parasites in aquaculture

In industrial aquaculture, producing at high stock densities is inevitable to maximize efficiency and harvest per unit volume. Antibiotics, disinfectants, and other chemicals have become necessary to prevent and control disease outbreaks in intensive fish farming practices. However, the negative impacts of the use of synthetic chemical drugs on environmental health have sparked discussions, making research into alternative treatments inevitable. Medicinal plants offer promising solutions for disease control due to their natural, biodegradable, and antimicrobial properties. The therapeutic properties of plants have been known and safely used in traditional medicine for a long time. The idea that medicinal plants can be utilized in aquaculture as a safer, sustainable, and environmentally friendly practice has begun to be embraced. Although numerous treatment protocols have been developed against metazoan parasites in aquaculture, managing protozoan parasites still poses a significant challenge. A detailed literature review has identified that more than 30 plant species have the potential to control many protozoan pathogens in fish, including Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and Cryptocaryon irritans. Studies highlight the effectiveness of plant-derived compounds in combating parasites and promoting growth, supporting immunity, serving as antibacterial agents, and even as anaesthetics. Since research on medicinal plants predominantly targets commercially valuable fish farming, there is a recognized need for expanded studies on their application in shellfish farming. Collaboration among researchers, institutions, and farmers is crucial in increasing awareness of local medicinal plants and promoting their use. The use of plants with medicinal properties in aquaculture represents a promising path for disease control and sustainable production. Adopting these natural alternatives could align with responsible agricultural practices and meet the urgent need to mitigate the environmental impacts of traditional treatments in the aquaculture industry.