Open Global Scientific Journal 4 .
: 85-94 2025 Contents lists available at openscie.
E-ISSN: 2961-7952
Open Global Scientific Journal DOI: 10.
70110/ogsj.
Journal homepage: https://openglobalsci.
Utilization of Garlic (Allium sativu.
as a Functional Supplement to Enhance the Health and Performance of Cultured Fish: A Systematic Literature Review Sheny Permatasari1* Department of Technology and Management of Applied Aquaculture.
School of Vocational Studies.
IPB University.
Indonesia *Correspondence E-mail: shenypermata@apps.
ARTICLE
INFO
ABSTRACT
Background: The increasing demand for aquaculture production requires the use of foods that not only meet nutritional needs but also promote fish health.
The use of natural food additives has become an important alternative to reduce dependence on synthetic antibiotics.
One of the most extensively studied natural food additives is garlic (Allium sativu.
Garlic has been found to eliminate major pathogenic bacteria, strengthen immunity, improve health status, enhance growth, and increase flesh quality in freshwater fish.
Keywords:
With its multifunctional properties, garlic represents a promising functional Allium sativum, feed additive to enhance growth performance, food utilization, and stress Aquaculture, resistance in cultured fish.
Fish growth.
Aims: This article was prepared using a systematic literature-review approach on the effects of garlic supplementation in aquaculture feeds.
Garlic.
Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted for articles published Immunity.
within the last ten years in ScopusAaor SINTaindexed journals.
The review included: .
experimental studies investigating the effects of garlic supplementation in fish feed or rearing media.
studies involving growth, physiological, immune, or water quality parameters.
articles focusing on aquaculture species such as tilapia (Oreochromis niloticu.
, common carp (Cyprinus carpi.
, rohu (Labeo rohit.
, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykis.
, and groupers (Epinephelus spp.
Results: The evidence has been shown that garlic can enhance growth performance, food efficiency, and immune response in fish, particularly in species such as tilapia, carp, rainbow trout, rohu and grouper.
The effective dosage generally ranges between 0.
5Ae3% garlic powder in food, with variations depending on species and application methods.
Conclusion/ Recommendation: Future studies should focus on developing probioticAeherbal feed products based on fermented garlic and assessing the economic and social feasibility of natural phytobiotic applications in intensive aquaculture systems.
To cite this article: Permatasari.
Utilization of Garlic (Allium sativu.
as a Functional Supplement to Enhance the Health and Performance of Cultured Fish: A Systematic Literature Review.
Open Global Scientific Journal, 4.
, 85Ae94.
This article is under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.
0 International (CC BY-SA 4.
License.
Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.
0 International License Copyright A2025 by author/s Article History:
Received 7 November 2025 Revised 20 December 2025 Accepted 21 December 2025 Published 23 December 2025 Introduction The increasing demand for aquaculture production requires the use of foods that not only meet nutritional needs but also promote fish health.
The use of natural food additives has become an important alternative to reduce dependence on synthetic antibiotics, which pose risks of antimicrobial resistance and environmental pollution.
One of the most extensively studied natural additives is garlic (Allium sativu.
, a herbal plant rich in bioactive compounds that has long been used in human health applications and is now being developed for aquaculture purposes (Adineh et al.
, 2020.
Valenzuela-Gutiyrrez et al.
, 2.
Garlic can enhance the immune system to combat diseases and maintain overall health by increasing monocyte activity and phagocytic function (Papu et al.
, 2014.
Erguig et al.
, 2.
Garlic contains at least 33 sulfur compounds, 17 amino acids, several enzymes, minerals, and vitamins (Kaur & Ansal, 2.
Extracts and isolated compounds of A.
sativum have been evaluated for various biological activities, including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties (Batiha et al.
, 2.
The primary active compound in garlic, allicin .
llyl 2-propenethiosulfinate or diallyl thiosulfinat.
, exhibits strong antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity (Adineh et al.
, 2.
Allicin can activate the non-specific immune system by upregulating cytokine gene expression, thereby enhancing host defense mechanisms when garlic extract is incorporated into fish feed (Fall & Tanekhy, 2015.
Erguig et al.
, 2.
Allicin is recognized as the most potent organosulfur component in garlic, capable of eliminating pathogenic bacteria and parasites, regulating oxidative stress, and improving immune competence.
It also enhances gastrointestinal motility and modulates enzyme secretion, which collectively improves digestion and nutrient absorption (Kaur & Ansal, 2.
In addition, other components such as 1-propenyl allyl thiosulfonate, allyl methyl thiosulfonate, (E,Z)-4,5,9trithiadodeca-1,6,11-triene 9-oxide .
, and -L-glutamyl-S-alkyl-L-cysteine function as antioxidants and immunostimulants that enhance non-specific immune responses in fish (Bayan et al.
, 2014.
Valenzuela-Gutiyrrez et al.
, 2021.
Bhatwalkar et al.
, 2.
Garlic has been found to eliminate major pathogenic bacteria, strengthen immunity, improve health status, enhance growth, and increase flesh quality in freshwater fish such as common carp (Cyprinus carpi.
, tilapia (Oreochromis niloticu.
, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykis.
, and african catfish (Clarias gariepinu.
(Hai.
Erguig et al.
, 2.
Moreover, several studies have demonstrated the immunostimulatory role of garlic in larval and juvenile stages of various fish species, including striped catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmu.
, silver barb (Barbonymus gonionotu.
, and african catfish (Clarias gariepinu.
, resulting in improved survival and growth performance (Andriani et al.
, 2017.
Hismah et al.
, 2022.
Pangaribuan et al.
, 2.
With its multifunctional properties, garlic represents a promising functional food additive to enhance growth performance, food utilization, and stress resistance in cultured fish.
This review aims to summarize recent scientific findings on the utilization of garlic (Allium sativu.
as a functional supplement to enhance the health and performance of cultured fish.
This review provides a comprehensive and up-to-date synthesis of recent evidence highlighting garlic (Allium sativu.
as a multifunctional, antibiotic-free functional feed additive that simultaneously enhances immunity, growth performance, nutrient utilization, and stress resistance across multiple cultured fish species and life stages.
Methods This article was prepared using a systematic literature review approach.
The review included: .
experimental studies investigating the effects of garlic supplementation in fish feed or rearing media.
studies involving growth, physiological, immune, or water quality parameters.
articles focusing on aquaculture species such as tilapia (Oreochromis niloticu.
, common carp (Cyprinus carpi.
, african catfish (Clarias gariepinu.
, rohu (Labeo rohit.
, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykis.
, and groupers (Epinephelus spp.
Literature selection criteria Articles were included if they met the following criteria: .
published within the last ten years .
5Ae2.
original research or literature review articles.
published in peer-reviewed scientific journals indexed in national databases .
Sint.
or international databases .
Scopus.
Web of Science.
DOAJ).
Search strategy Relevant literature was retrieved from Google Scholar.
ScienceDirect.
SpringerLink, and Researchgate using combination of keywords such as AugarlicAy.
AuAllium sativumAy.
Aufish growthAy.
AuaquacultureAy, and AuimmunityAy.
The identification, screening, and eligibility process of systematic literature review approach can be seen in figure 1.
Figure 1.
The identification, screening, and eligibility process of systematic literature review approach Data analysis Eligible publications were analyzed qualitatively.
Findings and conclusions were critically examined and descriptively synthesized to provide an integrated overview of how garlic act as antibacterial agents, immunostimulants, and antioxidants that can improve fish growth and resistance to environmental stress and pathogenic infections.
This qualitative-descriptive synthesis forms the scientific basis for developing natural feed additives strategies in intensive aquaculture systems.
Results and Discussion 1 Effects of Garlic on Fish Growth Most studies reported that garlic supplementation in fish diets can enhance growth performance and food conversion efficiency.
Based on references found that adding garlic oil .
,5-2%) or garlic extract .
g/k.
to the diet of Oreochromis niloticus improved overall body weight, general health condition, and increased survival rate (Foysal & Javed, 2019.
Samson, 2019.
Said et al.
, 2022.
Abu-Alya et al.
, 2.
Other species Cyprinus carpio, indicates that adding garlic powder .
gr/k.
, garlic extract .
-5 g/k.
enhanced growth performance, specific growth rate, increased body weight and food efficiency (Manoppo et al.
, 2016.
Karimi Pashaki et al.
, 2018.
AlNoor et al.
, 2.
Nyadjeu et al.
, .
and Ukenye et al.
, .
reported that dietary garlic powder .
-2%) of Clarias gariepinus improved growth, weight gain, and food utilization.
The growth-promoting mechanism of garlic is closely associated with the stimulation of digestive enzyme secretion and improvement of intestinal morphology.
Huang et al.
reported that dietary allicin at levels of 005Ae0.
01% enhanced intestinal villi development in Larimichthys crocea larvae, thereby improving nutrient In addition, the antimicrobial properties of garlic help stabilize the intestinal microbiota, which plays a vital role in improving food utilization efficiency (Bhatwalkar et al.
, 2021.
Delgado et al.
, 2.
Guroy states that adding garlic powder .
%) enhanced specific growth rate (SGR) and weight gain of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykis.
The effects of garlic on fish growth can be seen in table 1.
Table 1.
The effects of garlic on fish growth based on references Fish Species Cyprinus carpio Oreochromis Liza ramada Oncorhynchus Oreochromis Clarias Multi-spesies Oreochromis Oreochromis Clarias Labeo rohita Oncorhynchus Cyprinus carpio Lates calcalifer Larimichthys Multi-spesies Oreochromis Oreochromis sp Cyprinus carpio Cyprinus carpio Oreochromis Form and Dosage of Garlic Garlic powder or oil .
nspecified dos.
Garlic oil .
Ae15 ml/k.
Fermented garlic .
Ae Garlic powder .
%) Mixture of lemon, onion, garlic (LOG) Garlic powder .
nspecified dos.
Various garlic forms Main Effects on Growth Performance References Generally enhanced growth performance Al-Noor et al.
Oz et al.
, 2024
Positive effects on growth, hematology, blood biochemistry, hepatosomatic index, and histopathology Improved growth and antioxidant activity Enhanced specific growth rate (SGR) and weight gain Acted as a growth promoter Highest weight gain and best performance Basuini et al.
, 2024
Guroy et al.
, 2024
Abozaid et al.
Ukenye et al.
, 2023
Garlic oil .
,5%) Generally improvement in biology Improved the overall body weight Garlic oil .
,5-1%) Improved general health condition Delgado et al.
Abu-Alya et al.
Said et al.
, 2022
Garlic powder .
-2%) Better growth, food utilization and body Increased SGR and survival rate Nyadjeu et al.
Paul et al.
, 2021
Improved growth, food conversion ratio (FCR), and body protein content Optimal dose enhanced specific growth rate (SGR) and food conversion Improved growth performance, feed utilization, and body composition Enhanced intestinal development and larval growth Significant improvement in overall growth performance Increased survival rate Adineh et al.
, 2020
Garlic extract .
25Ae25 mg/k.
Microencapsulated extract .
Ae2%) Garlic powder .
Ae Garlic powder Ascorbic acid Allicin .
005Ae0.
Various phytobiotics .
eta-analysi.
Garlic extract .
g/k.
Garlic powder .
Ae2%) Garlic extract .
Ae5 g/kg Garlic powder .
g/k.
Garlic extract .
%) Improved survival and growth Increased body weight and food Increased specific body weight gain Highest weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) Mohammad, 2020 Abdelwahab et al.
Huang et al.
, 2020
Reverter et al.
Foysal & Javed.
Samson, 2019
Karimi Pashaki et
, 2018
Manoppo et al.
Hussein et al.
, 2016
2 Effects of Garlic on the Immune System and Disease Resistance The immunostimulatory effects of garlic have been the primary focus of most related studies.
Based on references that adding garlic extract .
,4 g/L or 1-5 g/k.
preventing Streptococcus iniae infection, exhibited antiparasitic activity, and adding garlic oil .
,5-1% or 10 ml/k.
improved hematological parameters and antioxidant activity, acted as an immunostimulant (Foysal & Javed, 2019.
Reda et al.
, 2024.
Said et al.
, 2022.
Oz et al.
, 2.
Rezaei et al.
, .
reported increased lysozyme and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in crayfish fed diets containing 1% garlic powder.
Similarly.
Hamed et al.
, .
demonstrated that allicin alleviated liver damage caused by exposure to the pesticide carbofuran in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticu.
by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT).
In pathogen challenge tests.
Paul et al.
, .
found that rohu (Labeo rohit.
fed garlic extract at 6,25-25 mg/kg diet exhibited significantly higher survival rates following infection with Aeromonas septicemia.
These findings further support the evidence that garlic enhances non-specific immune responses, including increased leukocyte count, phagocytic activity, and serum antibacterial activity in cultured fish (Mahmoud et al.
, 2019.
Abdelwahab et al.
, 2020.
Karimi Pashaki et al.
, 2018.
Rezaei et al.
, 2022.
Delgado et al.
, 2023.
Basuini et al.
The effects of garlic on the immune system and disease resistance can be seen in table 2.
Table 2.
The effects of garlic on the immune system and disease resistance based on references Fish Species Cyprinus carpio Oreochromis Oreochromis Oreochromis Multi-spesies Clarias Postantacus Oreochromis Oncorhynchus Epinephelus Seriola dorsalis Labeo rohita Oreochromis Oreochromis Oreochromis Cyprinus carpio Oreochromis Form and Dosage of Garlic Garlic powder or oil .
nspecified dos.
Garlic oil .
ml/kg Garlic extract .
4 g/L Fermented garlic Various garlic forms Main Effects on the Immune System and Disease Resistance Improved general health and immune Improved hematological parameters and antioxidant activity Exhibited antiparasitic activity against Dactylogyrus spp.
Exhibited strong antioxidant and antimicrobial effects Enhanced non-specific immune responses Garlic powder .
nspecified dos.
Garlic powder .
%) Immunity and disease resistance Garlic oil .
,5-1%) Garlic extract mixture .
Ae2%) Garlic powder .
nspecified dos.
Garlic extract .
, 4, 16 ml/L wate.
Garlic extract .
25Ae25 mg/kg fee.
Garlic extract Allicin .
5Ae1 g/kg Garlic powder Ascorbic acid Garlic extract .
nspecified dos.
Garlic extract .
g/k.
Enhanced immune enzyme activity .
ysozyme, phagocytosi.
Promoted growth and acted as an Increased protein ratio and immune High concentrations showed potential appropriate dosage is essential Reduced parasitic infection caused by Z.
Increased resistance to Aeromonas septicemia infection Enhanced oxidative stability and fillet resistance to oxidation Increased SOD and CAT enzyme activities.
provided hepatic protection against pesticide toxicity Improved immune status and antioxidant Decreased Gyrodactylus elegans parasitic Effective in preventing Streptococcus iniae References Al-Noor et al.
Oz et al.
, 2024
Reda et al.
, 2024
Basuini et al.
, 2024
Delgado et al.
Ukenye et al.
, 2023
Rezaei et al.
, 2022
Said et al.
, 2022
Oz & Dikel, 2022
Erazo-Pagador et
, 2022
Armuelles-Bernal et al.
, 2022
Paul et al.
, 2021
Youssef et al.
Hamed et al.
, 2020
Abdelwahab et al.
Yavuzcan & Bekcan, 2020 Foysal & Javed.
Oreochromis Cyprinus carpio Poecilia Oreochromis Garlic powder .
,5%) Garlic extract .
Ae5 g/kg Garlic powder .
,25 mg/g fee.
Garlic extract .
%) Significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and exhibited antioxidant effects Increased WBC count, lysozyme activity, and IgM concentration Reduced infection intensity on the caudal Increased erythrocyte (RBC) and leukocyte (WBC) counts Mahmoud et al.
Karimi Pashaki et
, 2018
Kim et al.
, 2018
Hussein et al.
3 Effects on Food Efficiency and Fish Physiology Several studies have reported that garlic supplementation improves feed utilization efficiency by enhancing blood biochemical profiles and liver function.
Hussein et al.
, .
state that adding garlic oil .
-15 ml/k.
or garlic extract .
%) increased blood protein levels, digestive enzyme activity, and nutrient utilization efficiency.
Abdelwahab et al.
, .
found that the combination of garlic and vitamin C produced synergistic effects on food efficiency and oxidative balance in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticu.
In addition, ynz et al.
, .
demonstrated that dietary garlic oil .
-15 ml/k.
supplementation improved hematological parameters and total serum protein levels in tilapia.
Positive physiological effects have also been observed in fish reared under extreme environmental conditions.
For instance.
Wijayanto et al.
, .
reported that garlic supplementation enhanced the growth performance and survival rate of grouper (Epinephelus spp.
) reared in low-salinity environments.
These findings indicate the potential application of garlic in promoting fish adaptation to environmental stress conditions.
Also.
Basuini et , .
state that adding fermented garlic .
-2%) can increased antioxidant activity and more efficient metabolism of grey mullet (Liza ramad.
The effects on food efficiency and fish physiology can be seen in table Table 3.
The effects on food efficiency and fish physiology based on references Fish Species Cyprinus carpio Oreochromis Liza ramada Oreochromis Cyprinus carpio Postantacus Labeo rohita Oreochromis Cyprinus carpio Oncorhynchus Larimichthys Multi-spesies Form and Dosage of Garlic Garlic powder or oil .
nspecified dos.
Garlic oil .
Ae15 ml/k.
Fermented garlic 1Ae Various garlic forms Garlic powder .
nspecified dos.
Garlic powder .
%) Garlic extract .
25Ae 25 mg/k.
Garlic powder Ascorbic acid .
nspecified dos.
Garlic powder .
Ae Microencapsulated garlic extract .
%) Allicin .
Garlic-based .
nspecified dos.
Main Effects on Feed Efficiency and Fish Physiology Increased food efficiency Increased blood protein levels, digestive enzyme activity, and nutrient utilization Increased antioxidant activity and more efficient metabolism Enhanced metabolic efficiency and digestive enzyme activity Improved blood and biochemical Improved digestive enzyme activity and nutrient absorption Improved food utilization efficiency and reduced oxidative stress Enhanced food efficiency, oxidative balance, and liver health Lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) and improved food efficiency Reduced FCR, increased body protein, and enhanced digestive enzyme activity Enhanced nutrient absorption through improved intestinal morphology Improved average food efficiency by 10Ae20% References Al-Noor et al.
ynz et al.
, 2024
Basuini et al.
Delgado et al.
Mohammad MA.
, 2023
Rezaei et al.
Paul et al.
, 2021
Abdelwahab et
, 2020
Mohammad.
Adineh et al.
Huang et al.
Reverter et al.
Cyprinus carpio Cyprinus carpio Cyprinus carpio Oreochromis Garlic extract nspecified dos.
Garlic extract .
Ae5 g/kg fee.
Garlic powder .
g/k.
Garlic extract .
%) Stress indicators in carp returned to normal
after one hour of recovery Improved blood biochemical profile and liver
Improved FCR and growth ratio
Improved immune factors Yavuzcan & Bekcan, 2020
Karimi Pashaki et
, 2018
Manoppo et al.
Hussein et al.
Overall, dietary garlic supplementation has been shown to consistently improve growth performance, feed utilization, immune function, and stress resistance in various cultured fish species.
The effectiveness of garlic is highly dependent on its dosage and form.
Across studies, optimal responses were generally observed at 0.
5Ae2% garlic powder, 1Ae5 g/kg garlic extract, 5Ae15 mL/kg garlic oil, or 0.
005Ae0.
01% allicin, while pathogen resistance was enhanced at lower inclusion levels .
25Ae25 mg/kg die.
These benefits are primarily associated with enhanced digestive efficiency, improved intestinal morphology, modulation of gut microbiota, and stimulation of antioxidant and innate immune responses.
When applied within optimal dose ranges, garlic supplementation improved physiological performance without inducing negative Therefore, garlic can be considered an effective natural feed additive for sustainable aquaculture, although further doseAeresponse studies are required to refine species-specific recommendations.
Environmental and Sustainability Aspects The use of garlic as a natural food additive aligns with the principles of sustainable aquaculture, as it can reduce dependence on antibiotics and chemicals synthetic.
Delgado et al.
and Reverter et al.
, through metaanalysis studies, concluded that the use of herbal plantsAiincluding garlicAisignificantly improves the biological performance of fish without causing toxic effects on the environment.
However.
Erazo-Pagador et al.
cautioned that excessively high doses of garlic may be toxic, as indicated by LCCICA values demonstrating potential adverse effects at extreme concentrations.
Therefore, determining the optimal dosage is a crucial factor for its practical application in aquaculture systems.
Research Gaps and Future Directions Although numerous studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of garlic supplementation, several scientific gaps remain to be addressed:
Lack of standardized dosage and formulation .
owder, oil, extract, fermented for.
across studies.
Limited research on tropical marine fish species compared to freshwater species such as Oreochromis niloticus and Cyprinus carpio.
Few long-term studies evaluating residue effects, chronic toxicity, and interactions with other feed Further molecular investigations are required to elucidate the mechanisms of allicin in modulating immune and antioxidant gene expression.
Future studies should focus on developing probioticAeherbal feed products based on fermented garlic and assessing the economic and social feasibility of natural phytobiotic applications in intensive aquaculture systems.
Conclusion & Recommendations Garlic (Allium sativu.
has demonstrated considerable potential as a natural food additive in sustainable Based on the review of 30 scientific articles, dietary garlic supplementation at 0.
5Ae2% garlic powder, 1Ae5 g/kg garlic extract, 5Ae15 mL/kg garlic oil, or 0.
005Ae0.
01% allicin generally enhances growth performance, food efficiency, and fish resilience to stress and diseases.
These positive outcomes are attributed to the antibacterial, antioxidant, and immunostimulant activities of allicin and its bioactive derivatives.
Also, the use of garlic as a natural food additive can reduce dependence on antibiotics and chemicals synthetic.
Therefore, garlic can be considered an effective natural feed additive for sustainable aquaculture, although further doseAeresponse studies are required to refine species-specific recommendations.
Future studies should focus on developing probioticAeherbal feed products based on fermented garlic and assessing the economic and social feasibility of natural phytobiotic applications in intensive aquaculture systems.
References