NIGELLA SATIVA AS A POTENT NATURAL ADDITIVE IN AQUACULTURE: ENHANCING GROWTH, IMMUNITY, AND SUSTAINABILITY

Aquaculture is a rapidly growing sector that plays a crucial role in global food security by providing protein-rich food sources. However, the industry faces several challenges, including disease outbreaks, environmental degradation, and the over-reliance on synthetic chemicals and antibiotics. These issues have driven the search for sustainable and natural alternatives that can enhance fish health, improve growth performance, and ensure the sustainability of aquaculture practices. Nigella sativa, commonly known as black cumin, has emerged as a promising natural additive in aquaculture due to its rich bioactive compounds, such as thymoquinone, essential oils, alkaloids, and saponins. These compounds exhibit a wide range of pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory effects, making Nigella sativa an attractive candidate for improving fish growth, immunity, and disease resistance. This review explores the biochemical composition and pharmacological properties of Nigella sativa, its effects on growth performance and feed conversion ratios in various fish species, and its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Comparative analyses with other herbal additives such as garlic, turmeric, and ginger highlight Nigella sativa's superior effectiveness in promoting fish health and enhancing aquaculture sustainability. The findings suggest that Nigella sativa holds significant potential as a natural, effective, and safe alternative to synthetic additives in aquaculture.