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Review Article: Nutritional Effects of Propolis Extract on Growth Improvement and Immune Performance in Ornamental Fish
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Ali Reza Radkhah   , Soheil Eagderi * , Esmaeil Sadeghinejad Masouleh |
| Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran. |
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Abstract: (23 Views) |
| Today, the aquaculture industry requires natural and safe alternatives to overcome challenges such as disease outbreaks and reliance on chemical antibiotics. This review study examines the potential of propolis extract as a multi-purpose additive in fish nutrition. Scientific evidence indicates that the optimal use of propolis extract in fish diets can significantly improve growth performance (such as weight gain, enhanced feed conversion ratio), gut health, digestive enzyme activity, and antioxidant activity in various species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, Nile tilapia, sea bass, and Japanese eel. Furthermore, by strengthening innate and acquired immune responses (increased lysozyme activity, immunoglobulins) and possessing broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities against various pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and parasites, propolis enhances fish resistance against various diseases. According to research, this substance has a remarkable ability to mitigate the adverse effects of environmental stressors, such as thermal stress or exposure to pollutants like bisphenol-A (BPA), through its strong antioxidant properties. In summary, propolis can serve as a practical solution to reduce reliance on chemical antibiotics in the aquaculture industry and contribute to increased productivity and environmental sustainability in this sector. |
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| Keywords: Propolis, Bioactive compounds, Chemical antibiotics, Antimicrobial activity, Sustainable aquaculture |
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Type of Study: Applicable |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/12/23 | Accepted: 2026/03/30
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