Recent Advances in Research on the Effects of Chinese Herbal Extracts on the Immune Function of Aquatic Animals 

Lu Cuiyu

College of Fisheries of Huazhong Agricultural University，Wuhan China，430070；

Abstract：Against the backdrop of intensive development in the aquaculture industry, the overuse of antibiotics has led to a series of problems, including drug residues and antibiotic resistance. Consequently, the development of green alternatives to antibiotics has become an urgent requirement for the industry. Due to their combined nutritional and medicinal value, as well as their low toxicity, high efficacy and environmental friendliness, Chinese herbal extracts have become a research focus for immune enhancers in aquaculture.This paper systematically reviews the immunomodulatory mechanisms of key active components in Chinese herbal extracts, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, polyphenols and alkaloids. It summarises research findings on the application of single-herb extracts (such as Atractylodes macrocephala, Isatis root and Astragalus membranaceus) and related compound extracts in aquaculture, and analyses core issues in current research, including poor controllability of component quality, insufficient elucidation of mechanisms of action, low bioavailability,unclear dose-response relationships, and outlines future research directions in four areas: deepening mechanistic studies, innovating formulation technologies, establishing standardisation systems, and conducting ecological safety assessments. This aims to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for the research, development, and industrial application of green immunostimulants for aquaculture.

Keywords: Chinese herbal extracts; aquatic animals; immune function; antioxidant; gut health

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