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Review
. 2025 Jan 17;14(1):87.
doi: 10.3390/biology14010087.

Application of Natural Antioxidants as Feed Additives in Aquaculture: A Review

Xiaodan Hu  1 , Wenjing Ma  1 , Disen Zhang  1 , Zikun Tian  1 , Yuanqiang Yang  1 , Yi Huang  1 , Yuhang Hong  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Application of Natural Antioxidants as Feed Additives in Aquaculture: A Review

Xiaodan Hu et al. Biology (Basel). .

Abstract

Oxidative stress, a critical factor affecting the health and productivity of aquatic organisms, arises from the imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant defenses. In aquaculture, natural antioxidants have gained increasing attention as sustainable feed additives to mitigate oxidative damage, enhance immune responses, and improve overall growth performance. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the antioxidative mechanisms of key natural antioxidants, including carotenoids, polysaccharides, vitamins, polyphenols, and flavonoids. By neutralizing ROS and modulating cellular signaling pathways such as Nrf2/ARE, these compounds offer significant protective effects against oxidative damage in aquatic species. The manuscript consolidates recent advancements in antioxidant research, highlighting their practical applications in feed formulation and their role in promoting sustainability in aquaculture. This review aims to provide an integrative framework for understanding natural antioxidants' potential, guiding future research and practical implementation in aquaculture systems.

Keywords: anti-stress; aquaculture; feed additives; growth; natural antioxidants; plants.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Schematic diagram of the role of antioxidative response in aging.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Chemical structure and applications of astaxanthin.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Superior position of astaxanthin in the cell membrane.
Figure 4
Figure 4
The effect of plant polysaccharides in aquatic products.
Figure 5
Figure 5
The antioxidant application of vitamins.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Structure of trans-resveratrol (left) and its applications in the healthcare industry.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Mechanism of antioxidant activity of resveratrol by regulating the Nrf2 pathway.
Figure 8
Figure 8
The mechanism of using baicalin to scavenge DPPH radicals.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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