ABSTRACT:

The increasing demand for fish and fish products necessitates advancements in aquaculture, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the industry is experiencing rapid growth. Nigeria, a leading aquaculture producer in Africa, is seeing a shift in consumer preference from catfish to tilapia, despite the sector’s limited exploitation of technology. To meet global fish demand by 2050, aquaculture production must double, emphasizing the need for sustainable and efficient methods to enhance fish growth and production. This study explores the potential of using Tribulus terrestris, a medicinal plant known for its growth-promoting and sex-reversal properties, in aquaculture. Tribulus terrestris contains various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and sapogenins, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant activities. Previous research indicates that T. terrestris extracts can significantly improve growth and body weight in various fish species, such as Clarias gariepinus, Oreochromis niloticus, and Poecilia reticulata. Additionally, T. terrestris has demonstrated potential in inducing sex reversal, a critical aspect of optimizing aquaculture production. This paper reviews the biological, therapeutic, and toxicological characteristics of T. terrestris, highlighting its application in aquaculture. It further reviewed the optimal dosages and methods of administering T. terrestris extracts to achieve enhanced growth performance, improved health parameters, and effective sex reversal in fish. The findings suggest that integrating T. terrestris in aquaculture practices could significantly boost production, ensuring food security and economic benefits.