β‐myrcene: A nature‐identical compound for sustainable aquaculture

Abstract

Sustainability is essential for the continued development of aquaculture. A key aspect of sustainable aquaculture involves using natural and organic compounds as alternatives to chemical counterparts. Herbal‐derived compounds have gained significant attention because of their eco‐friendly properties and health benefits. Additionally, nature‐identical compounds have emerged as viable alternatives to natural herbal products because of their stable composition, purity, affordability, and availability. Terpenes, a class of nature‐identical compounds, have been extensively studied in aquaculture research for their antioxidant, immunostimulant, anti‐stress, and antimicrobial properties. While certain terpenes, such as thymol, carvacrol, and menthol, have been the focus of considerable investigation and comprehensive reviews, other terpenes remain underexplored despite their potential benefits. Among them, β‐myrcene is notable for its dual potential as both a feed additive and an anesthetic/sedative, yet no dedicated review has systematically examined the evidence for its use in aquaculture. This review focuses on β‐myrcene and evaluates the current evidence for its potential use in aquaculture, both as a feed additive and as an anesthetic/sedative agent. Moreover, its bioactivity in non‐aquatic organisms, including in vitro assays, is evaluated to propose further potential in aquaculture, following reliable validations. Available studies suggest that β‐myrcene has shown preliminary growth‐promoting, antioxidant, and immunostimulant effects in a limited number of aquaculture studies. However, mechanistic evidence derived from mammalian and in vitro models suggests that β‐myrcene should be evaluated for its antimicrobial activity against fish and shellfish pathogens, as well as its capacity to augment disease resistance and exert anti‐inflammatory effects. This review critically evaluates the knowledge gaps that must be addressed before practical application can be considered.