A review on the beneficial effect of thymol on health and production of fish
Mahmoud Alagawany, Mayada R. Farag, Sameh A. Abdelnour, Shaaban S. Elnesr
Abstract
Abstract The thymol molecule is a food additive, used to boost the growth, production and feed efficiency via improving the digestive secretion and activating the structure and function of digestive system. The major application of thymol essential oil is used in animal rations, particularly as a natural feed additive to decrease hazardous compounds in a wide range of animal species. Thymol essential oil plays an important role in improving the nutrient bioavailability, reproductive and productive performance, general health and immunity of livestock besides reducing problems of many animal diseases such as cancer and some other diseases. These roles may be attributed to the ability of thymol as anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, immunomodulators, anti‐inflammatory and antispasmodic factors through suppressing free radicals and harmful constituents from interacting with cellular biological components and its capability to manipulate the balance of the intestinal microbiota, increased digestion, metabolism and absorption of nutrients. This review elucidates the chemical structure and natural sources, physical proprieties and practical applications of thymol in fish nutrition.