The Anti-Vibrio Potential of Medicinal Plants and Their Roles in Enhancing Resistance Against Vibrio Infections in Fish – A Mini Review

Vibriosis is a commonly known bacterial disease that harms a range of finfish species, causing significant mortality and high economic loss. Chemotherapeutics, antibiotics, and synthetic chemicals are broadly evaluated as effective treatment approaches; however, global concerns have arisen with the aim of decreasing or limiting the use of these compounds for the prevention and/or control of bacterial diseases in aquaculture systems. Consequently, extensive research studies have been accomplished to assess natural products such as plant parts, extracts, essential oils (EOs), phytochemicals, or aromatic compounds as potential substitutes for antibiotics. These additives are rich in phytochemicals (carotenoids, alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids), vitamins, minerals, and others, which make them excellent feed supplements. This paper focuses chiefly on reviewing medicinal plants (herbal extracts and EOs) that possess anti-vibrio potential (in vitro efficacy) and evaluating their ability to increase the immunity and resistance of fish against experimental challenges with Vibrio species (in vivo experiments). Furthermore, the role of herbal additives as adjuvants to enhance the efficacy of fish vaccines against vibriosis was also summarized. In brief, this review illustrates an ample number of medicinal herbs with effective effects on fish vibriosis. Identifying safe alternatives to ensure antibiotic-free and disease-free environments could be an initial step toward enhancing the sustainability of aquaculture and farming activities.