Exploring the Therapeutic and Nutritional Significance of Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) as a Feed Additive in Aquaculture

Abstract

The exploration of medicinal plants as natural and benign compounds in aquaculture presents a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics and immune prophylactics. In the domain of aquaculture, these plants serve dual roles as both chemotherapeutics and feed additives. Many plants and their derivatives contain an array of bioactive compounds, such as phenolic, polyphenolic, alkaloid, quinone, terpenoid, lectin, and polypeptide compounds, showcasing their effectiveness as alternatives to antibiotics, chemicals, vaccines, and synthetic compounds. Extensive research highlights the positive impact of incorporating herbs into fish diets, contributing to enhanced growth and disease resistance. The incorporation of herbs and herbal products into fish diets not only proves cost-effective but also aligns with environmental sustainability, exhibiting minimal side effects on both fish and consumers. Plant extracts are recognized for their diverse benefits, including growth promotion, appetite stimulation, tonicity enhancement, immunostimulation, facilitation of cultured species maturation, and properties such as stress reduction, sexual stimulation, and antipathogenic effects in fish. This comprehensive review focuses on the significant role of bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) in aquaculture, serving as a growth promoter, immunostimulant, and antioxidant. Bay laurel emerges as a medicinal herbal plant, offering a viable alternative to antibiotics with a multifaceted impact on aquaculture production and development. The review delves into the mode of action through which bay laurel enhances various aspects of aquaculture, emphasizing its potential as a valuable asset in sustainable and health-conscious fish farming practices. By exploring the diverse bioactive compounds present in bay laurel, this review contributes to a deeper understanding of its applications and implications in the ever-evolving landscape of aquaculture.