Application of medicinal plants in fish reproduction for sustainable aquaculture practices: a review

Medicinal plants are emerging as sustainable alternatives to synthetic compounds in aquaculture, demonstrating significant potential to enhance fish reproduction while addressing ecological and economic challenges. This review synthesizes findings from the existing literature to assess the potential of medicinal plants as an ecofriendly approach in fish reproduction. These findings demonstrate the potential of medicinal plants to enhance fish reproductive performance of fish. Saponin and flavonoid compounds are likely key factors involved in the modulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis – increasing sperm motility and hatchability. Despite this potential, the regional adoption of medicinal plants and their application in aquaculture for fish reproduction is generally low. Promoting the use of medicinal plants in fish reproduction as alternatives to synthetic products may have several environmental benefits, such as reductions in antibiotic residues while lowering production costs. This study proposes a dual-pathway framework integrating phytotherapies with emerging technologies (nano-encapsulation, CRISPR) and policy actions (FAO-led MRL guidelines) to accelerate sustainable adoption.