Abstract
Synthetic chemicals have long been employed in aquaculture to manipulate sex, optimize breeding and enhance growth in different varieties of fish, but concerns over their potential health and environmental risks have led to their prohibition in many regions worldwide. As a result, there are growing interests in using natural plant-based alternatives instead of the synthetic chemicals. For this objective, research studies unveiled numerous plant extracts and phytochemicals with potential androgenic and estrogenic properties, making them promising candidates for sex control. This review delves into research on the efficacy of these natural compounds, particularly saponins, phytosterols, flavonoids, and other phytochemical compounds, in influencing fish sexual development. We explore the current knowledge about the endocrine mechanisms underlying these effects and discuss the limitations of their applicability in aquaculture. By highlighting the potential of plant-based approaches, we aim to stimulate further research and promote sustainable sex control practices in aquaculture.