Phytobiotics in Reproductive Management in Aquaculture: Innovations in Sex Reversal and Control
Issued Date
2026-01-01
Resource Type
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105030812975
Journal Title
Phytobiotics for Sustainable Aquaculture Innovations Benefits and Future Perspectives
Start Page
186
End Page
201
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Phytobiotics for Sustainable Aquaculture Innovations Benefits and Future Perspectives (2026) , 186-201
Suggested Citation
Tukaram Kamble M., Vijay Medhe S., Ramdas Chavan B., Himmat Tayade S., Vishakha Yeshwant Daunde V., Kashmira Rajesh Palekar G., Naftal Gabriel N., Pirarat N. Phytobiotics in Reproductive Management in Aquaculture: Innovations in Sex Reversal and Control. Phytobiotics for Sustainable Aquaculture Innovations Benefits and Future Perspectives (2026) , 186-201. 201. doi:10.1201/9781003646945-16 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/115489
Title
Phytobiotics in Reproductive Management in Aquaculture: Innovations in Sex Reversal and Control
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
The use of synthetic hormones like 17α-methyltestosterone for sex reversal in aquaculture has raised significant environmental and health concerns, prompting the exploration of safer alternatives. Phytobiotics, derived from medicinal plants, offer promising endocrine-modulating properties suitable for sex control in farmed fish species. This chapter reviews the mechanisms by which phytochemicals such as saponins, flavonoids, and steroidal compounds influence sex differentiation pathways. Key findings from laboratory trials and field applications demonstrate the effectiveness of phytobiotics like Tribulus terrestris, Basella alba, Eurycoma longifolia, and Mucuna pruriens in achieving partial or complete masculinization in species including Oreochromis niloticus, Clarias gariepinus, and Poecilia reticulata. Case studies highlight variations in response due to dosage, administration method, timing, and species specificity. Comparative analyses with synthetic hormones reveal that phytobiotics, while sometimes less efficient, offer benefits in terms of safety, biodegradability, and economic viability. The chapter also outlines innovative delivery methods, including encapsulation and nanoformulations, for optimizing bioavailability and palatability. Overall, phytobiotic-based strategies show substantial potential as sustainable and scalable tools for sex control in aquaculture.