Phytogenic Compounds for Enhancing Intestinal Barrier Function in Poultry–A Review

Abstract

After the European Union ban of antibiotic growth promoters, works on different methods of improving gut health have intensified. The poultry industry is struggling with problems that were previously controlled by antibiotic growth promoters, therefore the search for optimal solutions continues. Simultaneously, there is also increasing social pressure to minimize the use of antibiotics and replace them with alternative feed additives. A variety of available alternatives is considered safe by consumers, among which phytogenics play a significant role. However, there are still some limitations that need to be considered. The most questionable are the issues related to bioavailability, metabolism of plant derivatives in birds, and the difficulty of standardizing commercial products. There is still a need for more evidence-based recommendations for the use of phytogenics in livestock. On the other hand, a positive influence of phytogenic compounds on the health of poultry has been previously described by many researchers and practical application of these compounds has auspicious perspectives in poultry production. Supplementation with phytogenic feed additives has been shown to protect birds from various environmental threats leading to impaired intestinal barrier function. Phytogenic feed additives have the potential to improve the overall structure of intestinal mucosa as well as gut barrier function on a molecular level. Recognition of the phytogenicsʼ effect on the components of the intestinal barrier may enable the selection of the most suitable ones to alleviate negative effects of different agents. This review aims to summarize current knowledge of the influence of various phytogenic constituents on the intestinal barrier and health of poultry.

Assessing the potential of phytogenic feed additives: A comprehensive review on their effectiveness as a potent dietary enhancement for nonruminant in swine and poultry

“…The beneficial effects of PFAs on intestinal physiology comprise a lower crypt depth that might be perceived as less interaction with various stressors, a diminished adverse reaction and lower sloughing (Kamboh & Zhu, 2014). PFAs have several advantages for an animal, including better palpability, an energizing impact on gastrointestinal activity, general intestinal morphology enhancement and better meat quality (Latek et al, 2022). The main ways by which PFAs have a beneficial impact on intestinal morphology are their ability to reduce inflammation and promote cellular growth, although mortality control may also be related (Patra et al, 2019).…”

“…Optimizing the manufacturing process to be effective and eco‐friendly for consumers is currently a formidable challenge for scientists, veterinarians, producers and researchers. The swine and poultry industries confront difficulties maintaining animal health in consideration of the prohibition of utilizing in‐feed antibiotics in response to increasing public concerns about the development of antimicrobial organisms in both animals and humans (Latek et al, 2022). Consumers perceive a range of alternatives as secure, and phytogenics are a vital component of those alternatives.…”

“…The most advanced antibacterial and antiviral alternatives are natural substances derived from plant sources (El‐Saadony et al, 2023). The nanostructure of the gastrointestinal system and mucosal immune function could be improved by phytogenic feed ingredients, which may also defend birds from environmental pollution that could potentially damage the functioning of the intestinal barrier (Latek et al, 2022). Researchers found that giving supplemental plant extract to weaning piglets enhanced their efficiency, nutrient absorption and gut barrier integrity (Yan, Zhang, et al, 2012).…”

Cannabidiol affects breast meat volatile compounds in chickens subjected to different infection models

“…The use of bioactive compounds (natural additives) in poultry feed is among the investigated potential alternatives to the antibiotic-based approach. Such additives might improve certain aspects of avian wellbeing and provide final products that are safe for consumers 20 , 21 . One phytogenic substance that exhibits the potential to beneficially modulate gut health and functionality is cannabidiol (CBD) obtained from hemp, which has recently attracted considerable attention.…”

The relationship between dietary curcumin supplementation and metabolic syndrome – A Review

“…Many published treatises reported that the pure kinds of PAF and their various mixture had been applied in several in vivo and in vitro researches to uncover the immunomodulatory plausible, antibacterial, anthelmintic, coccidiostat, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant possessions (Oladeji et al, 2019;Vafaeipour et al, 2022;Wang et al, 2022). The beneficial properties of herbs on the productivity of poultry may be associated with the release of digestive enzymes secretions, thereby improving feed consumption and enhancing growth performance (Darmawan et al, 2022;Latek et al, 2022). Amongst these, curcumin is a bioactive polyphenolic constituent that exhibits antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, anti-proliferative, and antioxidant actions Swelum et al, 2021;Hafez et al, 2022;Li et al, 2022).…”