Exploring the Potential of Garcinia cowa as a Phytogenic Feed Additive for Fish

Research on natural feed additives in aquaculture has drawn attention to phytogenic compounds, such as those derived from tropical plant species of the Garcinia genus, due to their potential to promote growth, immunity, and microbial resistance in fish. Garcinia cowa, also known as Asam Kandis in Indonesian, is notable for its rich content of polyphenols, including hydroxycitric acid (HCA), a phytochemical with established roles in antioxidant and antimicrobial processes in humans. This article assesses the current research regarding the phytochemical composition, bioactivity, and potential application of G. cowa as a feed additive in fish nutrition. Notably, to date, no published studies have evaluated the effect of G. cowa inclusion in fish feed on growth performance, immune system, antimicrobial activity, and feed efficiency.