Unraveling the effectiveness of Sargassum wightii against white spot syndrome virus in Paratelphusa hydrodomous: an in-vivo and in-silico approach

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is causing significant economic losses in shrimp farming. Envelope proteins, which interact with host cells during viral attachment, are potential targets for drug development. In this study, the antiviral activity of Sargassum wightii was assessed using in-vitro and in-silico analyses. Crabs were injected with S. wightii extract and WSSV and were observed for 30 days post-infection. The antiviral activity was confirmed by bio-assay, histopathology, and in-silico analysis. GC–MS analysis identified 15 compounds in S. wightii, and in-silico docking revealed a strong interaction between VP28 and VP26 envelope proteins and stigmasta-4,22-dien-3-one. Molecular simulations validated the stability of the protein–ligand binding. These findings confirm the potential of S. wightii as a treatment for WSSV.