Abstract

As a result of the severe decline in major marine and freshwater fish stocks, aquaculture has been greatly developed throughout the world to provide global fish demands. Not surprisingly, the estimated risk of fish production failure was elevated due to the intensification of fish culture, amplification of environmental stressors, water quality deterioration, fish disease outbreak and finally high rates of fish mortality. Aqua culturists inevitably turned to antioxidant feed additives in order to overcome problems regarding the elevation of fish physiological fitness. Various natural and chemical additives have been successfully used in fish diet. However, the utilization rate of chemical supplements is limited because of their high price and also potential toxicity for fish in some cases. Recently, the use of plant products in aquaculture presents an increasing importance or significance. Plant products contain a broad range of active molecules such as flavonoids, terpenoids, ascorbic acid, tocopherols and phenolic compounds which can protect cells against xenobiotics and environmental stressors because of having strong antioxidant properties. This paper presents brief information about the potential advantages of applying herbal medicine as an antioxidant in aquaculture.

Keywords: Herbs; Fish health; Stress; Free radicals