Phytocompounds as an Alternative Antimicrobial Approach in Aquaculture

Area of Science:

• Aquaculture
• Phytochemistry
• Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

• Aquaculture is economically impacted by pathogenic diseases.
• Overuse of antibiotics in aquaculture drives antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
• Natural compounds offer potential alternatives to conventional antibiotics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review phytocompounds with antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic activities.
• To highlight the potential of phytocompounds in mitigating AMR in aquaculture.
• To focus on phytocompounds identified between 2000 and 2021.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific studies.
• Identification of phytocompounds from plant sources.
• Analysis of documented antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic activities.

Main Results:

• Phytocompounds exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties.
• Terpenes, phenolics, saponins, and alkaloids show promise for aquaculture.
• Evidence supports phytocompounds as viable alternatives to antibiotics.

Conclusions:

• Phytocompounds represent a sustainable strategy against aquaculture diseases.
• Further research into specific phytocompounds can enhance AMR mitigation.
• Harnessing plant-derived compounds can improve fish health and reduce antibiotic reliance.