Phytochemical control of poultry coccidiosis: a review

Abstract

Avian coccidiosis is a major parasitic disorder in chickens resulting from the intracellular apicomplexan protozoa Eimeria that target the intestinal tract leading to a devastating disease. Eimeria life cycle is complex and consists of intra- and extracellular stages inducing a potent inflammatory response that results in tissue damage associated with oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, diarrheal hemorrhage, poor growth, increased susceptibility to other disease agents, and in severe cases, mortality. Various anticoccidial drugs and vaccines have been used to prevent and control this disorder; however, many drawbacks have been reported. Drug residues concerning the consumers have directed research toward natural, safe, and effective alternative compounds. Phytochemical/herbal medicine is one of these natural alternatives to anticoccidial drugs, which is considered an attractive way to combat coccidiosis in compliance with the “anticoccidial chemical-free” regulations. The anticoccidial properties of several natural herbal products (or their extracts) have been reported. The effect of herbal additives on avian coccidiosis is based on diminishing the oocyst output through inhibition or impairment of the invasion, replication, and development of Eimeria species in the gut tissues of chickens; lowering oocyst counts due to the presence of phenolic compounds in herbal extracts which reacts with cytoplasmic membranes causing coccidial cell death; ameliorating the degree of intestinal lipid peroxidation; facilitating the repair of epithelial injuries; and decreasing the intestinal permeability induced by Eimeria species through the upregulation of epithelial turnover. This current review highlights the anticoccidial activity of several herbal products, and their other beneficial effects.

Hot red pepper powder as a safe alternative to antibiotics in organic poultry feed: an updated review

“…However, eliminating antibiotics from the animal diet reflected poorly on growth enhancement, FCR, and feed efficiency ( Puvača et al, 2019a ; Reda et al, 2020 ; Sheiha et al, 2020 ; Reda et al, 2021a ). Therefore, the use of natural compounds, such as probiotics ( Abd El‐Hack et al, 2020a ; Alagawany et al, 2021a ; El-Saadony et al, 2021a ), prebiotics ( Yaqoob et al, 2021 ; Abd El-Hack et al, 2022 ), essential oils ( Alagawany et al, 2021b ; El-Tarabily et al, 2021 ), herbal extracts ( Abou-Kassem et al, 2021 ; Saad et al, 2021a ), amino acids ( Abou-Kassem et al, 2021 ), green synthesized nanoparticles ( Abd El-Ghany et al, 2021 ; El-Saadony et al, 2021b , c , d ), bioactive peptides ( El-Saadony et al, 2021e , f ), safe, natural pigments ( Abdelnour et al, 2020a , b ; Ashour et al, 2021 ), bioactive medicinal plants ( El-Saadony et al., 2022 ), plant products ( El-Shall et al, 2022 ), and phytogenic compounds ( Abd El-Hack et al, 2020b ; Abd El‐Hack et al, 2021b ; Abdel-Moneim et al., 2022 ), for growth promotion and pathogen resistance became a trend and an alternative to antibiotics ( Simon et al, 2005 ; Stanaćev et al, 2011 ; Puvača et al, 2013 ; Alagawany et al, 2021c ).…”

Avian Cell Culture Models to Study Immunomodulatory Properties of Bioactive Products

“…Studies have shown that the addition of plant extract from Bidens pilosa inhibited the penetration of parasites into intestinal cells in chickens [ 31 ]. Numerous studies show the ability of phytochemicals to prevent diseases or strengthen the immunity of chickens, but there is still a lack of information about the underlying mechanisms [ 8 , 14 , 16 , 22 , 23 , 32 , 33 ].…”

Necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens: disease characteristics and prevention using organic antibiotic alternatives – a comprehensive review

“…Therefore, AGP alternatives are much needed to control NE and other diseases. The drug-free program used essential oil alternatives rather than in-feed antimicrobials and coccidiostats, which were used in conventional systems ( Grave et al, 2004 ; El-Shall et al., 2022 ). Therefore, this review throws light on C. perfringens virulence factors involved in the pathogenesis of NE, available vaccines and emphasizes the use of herbal medicine as an alternative to antibiotics for the control and prevention of NE in broiler chickens.…”