Artemisia annua L. aqueous extract as an alternative to antibiotics improving growth performance and antioxidant function in broilers

Hesperidin enhances broiler growth performance by augmenting gastric acid secretion via the proton pump pathway

Hesperidin exhibits promising potential as a feed additive for augmenting gastric acid secretion in animals. Gastrointestinal function is essential for animal growth and the efficient digestion of dietary nutrients, with gastric acid secretion serving as one of its critical components. The secretion of gastric acid, together with other digestive fluids and substances, significantly influences the digestion and absorption of animal feed, which in turn affects growth performance. However, there is limited research regarding the application of hesperidin as a feed additive to enhance gastric acid secretion. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of hesperidin as a feed additive in enhancing gastric acid secretion and to elucidate its underlying mechanisms. A total of 200 newly hatched (1-day-old) broilers with similar body weight were randomly allocated into four groups as follows: the control group receiving only the basal diet, and the other three groups supplemented with 50, 100, and 150 mg of hesperidin per kg of the basal diet, respectively. Each group consisted of five replicates with ten broilers per replicate, and the feeding trial lasted for a duration of 21 days. The growth performance was evaluated by monitoring feed intake and body weight throughout the trial. A four-day nutrient utilization trial was conducted prior to the conclusion of the feeding experiment. Adoption of the total collection method, the collected droppings were weighed and dried at 65 °C. Fifteen broilers from each group were euthanized and immediately dissected to obtain gizzard, proventriculus, gizzard chyme, and jugular blood samples, The proventriculus and gizzard weight were weighed and the pH of gizzard chyme was measured at the same time. The collected jugular venous blood was used to assess gastrin levels, whereas chicken gizzard chyme was utilized for the analysis of lactate, hydrochloric acid, and pepsin activity. Proventriculus and gizzard tissues were used to evaluate pepsinogen levels, perform hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, conduct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for key proton pump components, and assess proton pump activity. The results demonstrated that, in comparison to the control group, both the 100mg/Kg and 150 mg/Kg groups exhibited a significant increase in final body weight (FBW) and average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.05). Additionally, the feed to gain ratio (F/G) was significantly reduced in the 150mg/Kg group (P < 0.05). The results of the nutrient utilization trial indicate that all treatment groups had significantly higher levels of dry matter (DM) and ether extract (EE) compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, crude protein (CP) and gross energy (ME) were significantly higher in the 100mg/Kg and 150mg/Kg groups than in both the control group and the 50mg/Kg group (P < 0.05). The inclusion of hesperidin in broiler diets leads to significant improvements in stomach development and lactic acid content, while pH and hydrochloric acid content exhibit opposite trends (P < 0.05). Supplementation of broiler diets with hesperidin at doses of 100 mg/Kg and 150 mg/Kg significantly up-regulates pepsin activity and pepsinogen levels (P < 0.05). Incorporation of hesperidin into the broilers' diet significantly enhances parietal cell numbers (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation of hesperidin in broilers effectively up-regulates key signaling pathways and intracellular signal substances involved in proton pump activation (P < 0.05). The proton pump activity also exhibited a significant increase compared to the control group of 100mg/Kg and 150mg/Kg (P < 0.05) in our findings. In conclusion, hesperidin exhibits promising potential as a feed additive for broilers, and it can improve the growth performance of broilers by increasing gastric acid secretion and promoting nutrient utilization through activation of proton pump. Notably, basal diet supplemented with 150mg/Kg hesperidin demonstrates superior efficacy.

Effects of water extracts of Artemisia annua L. on rumen immune and antioxidative indexes, fermentation parameters and microbials diversity in lambs

The present study investigated the effects of water extracts of Artemisia annua L. (WEAA) on rumen immune and antioxidative indexes, fermentation parameters and microbial diversity in lambs. A total of 32 3-month-old Dorper × Han female lambs having comparable body weights (24±0.09 kg) were selected and were randomly assigned to four treatments, with eight repetitions for each treatment. The basal diet, consisting of 45% concentrate and 55% forage, was solely provided to the control group. For the other treatment groups, the basal diet was supplemented with WEAA at dosages of 500, 1000, and 1500 mg/kg diet, respectively. Rumen tissue samples were collected for the analysis of immune and antioxidative parameters, as well as related gene expression. Rumen fluid samples were collected to assess rumen fermentation parameters on days 30 and 60 and to evaluate the microbiota on day 60. Results showed that WEAA supplementation linearly or quadratically increased the content of sIgA, IL-4, IL-2 and the gene expression level of MyD88, IκB-α, IL-4, COX-2, iNOS in rumen tissue (p < 0.05), as well as the bacteria negatively associated with IL-6 (g_ [Eubacterium] _cellulosolvens_group). Furthermore, the addition of WEAA linearly or quadratically increased rumen T-SOD, GSH-Px (p < 0.05) and the gene expression level of Nrf2, SOD2, GSH-Px, HO-1 (p < 0.05), and decreased the rumen concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and gene expression level of Keap1 (p < 0.05), as well as the bacteria positively associated with T-AOC, T-SOD and GSH-Px (g_Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group, g_Saccharofermentans, g__Marvinbryantia, g_unclassified_f_Eggerthellaceae). The supplementation of WEAA caused the concentration of microprotein (MCP), total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), propionate to increase either linearly or quadratically, while reducing the concentration of NH3-N and the acetate/propionate ratio (A:P) in rumen fluid (p < 0.05). The addition of WEAA linearly or quadratically increased the abundance of Actinobacteriota, Cyanobacteria and Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group (p < 0.10), and g__Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group, g_Saccharofermentans, g_Marvinbryantia, g_Bifidobacterium were significantly abundant as specific microflora in the 1000 mg/kg WEAA supplementation group. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of 1000 mg/kg WEAA improved the rumen immune function, antioxidant status, rumen fermentation, and composition of rumen microbes in lambs.

Dietary supplementation with mulberry leaf flavonoids and carnosic acid complex enhances the growth performance and antioxidant capacity via regulating the p38 MAPK/Nrf2 pathway

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effects of mulberry leaf flavonoids and carnosic acid complex (MCC) on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, antioxidant, and p38 MAPK/Nrf2 pathway in broilers.

Methods

A total of 256 healthy 8-day-old female yellow-feathered broilers were randomly divided into 4 equal groups: a control group (CON) fed a basal diet, an antibiotic group (CTC) supplemented with 50 mg/kg chlortetracycline, and two experimental groups (MCC75, MCC150) fed basal diets with 75 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg of MCC, respectively. The experiment lasted for 56 days, with days 1-28 designated as the initial phase and days 29-56 as the growth phase.

Results

The results on the growth performance showed that diets supplemented with MCC and CTC decreased the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G), diarrhea rate, and death rate, while significantly increasing the average daily weight gain (ADG) (p < 0.05). Specifically, the MCC150 group enhanced intestinal health, indicated by reduced crypt depth and increased villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (V/C) as well as amylase activity in the jejunum. Both the MCC and CTC groups exhibited increased villus height and V/C ratio in the ileal (p < 0.05). Additionally, all treated groups showed elevated serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and significant increases in catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were observed in both the MCC150 and CTC groups. Molecular analysis revealed an upregulation of the jejunal mRNA expression levels of PGC-1α, Nrf2, and Keap1 in the MCC and CTC groups, as well as an upregulation of ileum mRNA expression levels of P38, PGC-1α, Nrf2, and Keap1 in the MCC150 group, suggesting activation of the p38-MAPK/Nrf2 pathway.

Discussion

These findings indicate that dietary supplementation with MCC, particularly at a dosage of 150 mg/kg, may serve as a viable antibiotic alternative, enhancing growth performance, intestinal health, and antioxidant capacity in broilers by regulating the p38-MAPK/Nrf2 pathway.

The effects of Artemisia annua nutritional supplementation at varying concentrations on broiler growth, economic yield, and gene expression levels of certain antioxidant, inflammatory, and immune genes

Background and Aim

Artemisia annua (AA), used as a growth promoter in poultry, lowers feed costs and enhances economic efficiency. This study aimed to assess the impact of varying AA concentrations on broiler chicken growth, gene expression, and profitability.

Materials and Methods

Two hundred 1-day-old male Cobb chicks were randomly allocated into four treatment groups, each containing five replicates and 10 birds. The experimental groups consisted of G1 (basal diet), G2 (basal diet with 0.3% AA), G3 (basal diet with 0.6% AA), and G4 (basal diet with 0.9% AA). The birds had continuous access to feed and water throughout the study. The experiment lasted for 42 days. We measured the growth performance (Feed intake, Life weight), carcass traits (weight after slaughter, dressed carcass, heart, gizzard, spleen, giblet and thymus weight), liver and spleen antioxidants (CAT, GSH, SOD), and gene expression of anti-inflammatory and immune- related genes.

Results

The primary findings revealed that the addition of 0.6% AA had a positive impact (p < 0.05) on all investigated variables compared with the control and other groups. Dietary supplementation with 0.6% AA led to increased breast, giblet, skeleton, and total yield, and net return compared with the control group. Supplementation with AA exhibited antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunological effects through improved levels of antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in tissue homogenates of the liver and spleen. It also upregulated the relative messenger RNA levels of anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-10, SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px, whereas IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were downregulated.

Conclusion

The study found that AA is a promising replacement for antibiotics in poultry farming as a growth promoter for chickens. 0.6% AA in the broiler diet yielded the best results, striking a balance between superior performance and robust economic benefits.

Effects of a diet supplemented with polysaccharides from Pogostemon cablin on growth performance, meat quality, and antioxidant capacity in Chongren Partridge chickens

In this study, the Pogostemon cablin polysaccharides (PCPs) were heteropolysaccharides with molecular weights of 63.17 kDa and 8.99 kDa, and their total carbohydrate content was 76.17 ± 0.23%, uronic acid content was 19.92 ± 0.42%, and protein content was 1.24 ± 0.07%. PCP is composed of arabinose, galactose, glucose, and glucuronic acid, with a molar ratio of 0.196:0.249:0.451:0.104. In addition, we further investigated the effects of the diet supplemented with different doses of PCP on growth performance, meat quality, and anti-oxidant capacity in Chongren Partridge chickens. A total of 200 chickens were randomly allocated into 4 treatments, and fed with a basal diet of 0 (CON), 200 (LPCP), 400 (MPCP), and 800 (HPCP) mg/kg PCP for a 14-day prefeeding period and a formal experimental period of 56 days. Results showed that dietary PCP significantly increased final body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), and decreased feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) from days 1 to 56. Meanwhile, dietary PCP reduced yellowness (b∗) values and increased redness (a∗) values at 24 h in breast muscles (p < 0.05). Furthermore, LPCP and MPCP significantly increased the level of guanylic acid (GMP) (p < 0.05). MPCP increased the content of free amino acids (isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, threonine, valine, alanine, glutamic acid, serine, cysteine), total essential amino acid (EAA), total flavor amino acid (FAA), total AA, the content of fatty acids (c14:1, c16:1, and c22:2), and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) in the breast muscle when compared to CON (p < 0.05). In addition, MPCP significantly reduced the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased the transcript abundances of fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2), fatty acid synthase (FAS), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) in the breast muscles of the chickens (p < 0.05). In light of the aforementioned results, PCP at 400 mg/kg could be used as an effective additive because it not only promotes the growth performance of Chongren Partridge chickens but also shows a conducive role in meat quality, especially in meat flavor.

Effects of Dietary Callicarpa nudiflora Aqueous Extract Supplementation on Growth Performance, Growth Hormone, Antioxidant and Immune Function, and Intestinal Health of Broilers

C. nudiflora is notably rich in flavonoids and phenylethanoid glycosides, making it a significant natural source of antioxidants. We examined the effects of C. nudiflora aqueous extract (CNE) on growth performance, antioxidant function, immunity, intestinal barrier function, nutrient transporters, and microbiota of broilers. A total of 360 one-day-old broilers were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: a basal diet with 0 (control, CON), 300 mg/kg (CNEL), 500 mg/kg (CNEM), and 700 mg/kg (CNEH) CNE for 42 days. CNEL and CNEM groups quadratically increased body weight and average daily gain but decreased feed-to-gain ratios during the starter and whole phases. Regarding the immune response of broilers, CNE treatment linearly down-regulated jejunal myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) expression and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interferon-γ expression in the liver (d 21), while decreasing jejunal IL-1β expression and the concentration of serum tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 (d 42). The CNEM and CNEH groups had lower MyD88 and nuclear factor kappa B expression in the liver (d 21) compared to the CON group. Broilers in the CNEL and CNEM groups had higher spleen index and thymus index (d 21) and interleukin-10 expression from the liver and jejunal mucosa (d 42) than that in the CON group. For the antioxidant capacity of broilers, CNE treatment linearly decreased the content of malonaldehyde and increased the activity of total antioxidant capacity in serum (d 42). CNEM and CNEH groups linearly increased the activity of superoxide dismutase in serum and heme oxygenase-1 expression in the liver, while increasing the activity of glutathione peroxidase in serum, jejunal nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 expression, and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 expression in the liver (d 42). As for the growth hormone of broilers, CNEM group increased the level of serum insulin-like growth factor 1 and up-regulated jejunal glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) expression (d 21). Broilers in the CNEM and CNEH groups had higher jejunal GLP-2 expression and growth hormone (GH) expression in the liver and the level of serum GH (d 42) than that in the CON group. Additionally, the villus height and jejunal Occludin and Claudin-1 expression in the CNEM group increased. CNE-containing diets resulted in a linear increase in the expression of jejunal zonula occluden-1 (d 21), villus height to crypt depth ratio, jejunal Occludin, excitatory amino acid transporters-3, and peptide-transporter 1 (d 42). The regulation of Oscillospira, Ruminococcaceae_Ruminococcus, and Butyricicoccus genera indicated that CNEH altered the composition of the cecal microbiota. In general, supplementing broilers with C. nudiflora aqueous extract could boost hormones, immune and antioxidant function, and gut health, improving their growth performance. Hence, CNE was a promising poultry feed additive, with 500 mg/kg appearing to be the optimal dose.

Evaluation of gene expression related to immunity, apoptosis, and gut integrity that underlies Artemisia's therapeutic effects in necrotic enteritis-challenged broilers

The experiment was designed to validate the effect of Artemisia annua and its novel commercial product (Navy Cox) on the control of necrotic enteritis (NE). A total of one hundred forty broiler chicks were randomly distributed into seven equal groups: G1, control negative; G2, infected with Eimeria (day 15) and C. perfringens (day 19); G3, treated with Navy Cox before challenge; G4, treated with Artemisia before challenge; G5, infected and then treated with Navy Cox; G6, infected and then treated with Artemisia; and G7, infected and treated with amoxicillin. Chicken response and immune organ indicants were recorded during the observation period (4 weeks). Whole blood and serum samples were collected for immunological evaluation, and tissue samples were collected for bacterial counts and estimation of mRNA expression of genes encoding apoptosis, tight junctions, and immunity. Chickens in the infected group revealed a significant decrease in RBCS, HB, PCV% total protein, Lysozyme, and nitric oxide activity in addition to leukocytosis, heterophilia, monocytosis, increase in cortisol, interleukins, and malondialdehyde. Treated groups displayed lower lesions, colony-forming units, and no mortality. Concurrently, a complete blood profile, antioxidants, and immune markers showed significant improvements. The mRNA expression levels of CASP, CLDN-1, OCLN, TJPI, MUC2, and cell-mediated immune response genes (p < 0.0001) were significantly alleviated in the treated groups compared with the challenged counterpart. This is the first-ever report on the efficacy valuation of Navy Cox compared to standard antibiotic treatment of clostridial NE. Navy Cox proved remarkable capability to minimize C. perfringens colonization in broiler intestines, modulation of mucus production, gut health integrity, immune organs, and immune response when used as a prophylactic agent in this form or naturally as Artemisia.

Artemisia ordosica polysaccharide ameliorated LPS-induced growth inhibition and intestinal injury in broilers through enhancing immune-regulation and antioxidant capacity

The study investigated the effects of dietary Artemisia ordosica polysaccharide (AOP) on growth, intestinal morphology, immune responses and antioxidant capacity of broilers challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). A total of 192 1-d-old broilers were randomly allotted to four treatments with 6 replicates (n = 8): (1) CON group, non-challenged broilers fed basal diet; (2) LPS group, LPS-challenged broilers fed basal diet; (3) AOP group, non-challenged broilers fed basal diet supplemented with 750 mg/kg AOP; (4) LPS+AOP group, LPS-challenged broilers fed basal diet supplemented with 750 mg/kg AOP. The trial included starter phase (d 1 to 14), stress period Ⅰ (d 15 to 21), convalescence Ⅰ (d 22 to 28), stress period Ⅱ (d 29 to 35) and convalescence Ⅱ (d 36 to 42). During stress period Ⅰ and Ⅱ, broilers were injected intra-abdominally either with LPS solution or with equal sterile saline. The results showed that AOP alleviated LPS-induced growth inhibition by prompting protein digestibility, and decreasing serum stress hormones and pro-inflammatory cytokines content of broilers. Moreover, AOP decreased LPS-induced over-production of IL-1β and IL-6 through suppressing TLR4/NF-κB pathway, and alleviated LPS-induced decreasing of T-AOC, CAT and GPx activities by activating Nrf2/Keap1 pathway, which ultimately improved jejunum morphology. In conclusion, AOP alleviated LPS-induced growth inhibition and intestinal damage by enhancing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities of broilers.

A comprehensive review on natural phenolic compounds as alternatives to in-feed antibiotics

Intensive livestock and poultry farming in China largely relied on the use of in-feed antibiotics until July 2020. The consequences of antibiotic overuse in animal feed include accumulation in animal products and the development of bacterial antibiotic resistance, both of which threaten food safety and human health. China has now completely banned the circulation of commercial feed containing growth-promoting drug additives (except Chinese herbal medicine). Therefore, alternatives to in-feed antibiotics in animal production are greatly needed. Natural phenolic compounds (NPCs) exist widely in plants and are non-toxic, non-polluting, highly reproducible, and leave little residue. Many natural flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, and stilbenes have polyphenol chemical structures and exhibit great potential as alternatives to antibiotics. In this review we delineate the characteristics of plant-derived NPCs and summarize their current applications as alternatives to in-feed antibiotics, aiming to provide new strategies for antibiotic-free feeding and promote the development of more sustainable animal husbandry practices.

Antioxidant Capacity of Herzegovinian Wildflowers Evaluated by UV–VIS and Cyclic Voltammetry Analysis

Considering the vast cultural and traditional heritage of the use of aromatic herbs and wildflowers for the treatment of light medical conditions in the Balkans, a comparison of the antioxidant capacity of wildflowers extracts from Herzegovina was studied using both cyclic voltammetry and spectrophotometry. The cyclic voltammograms taken in the potential range between 0 V and 800 mV and scan rate of 100 mV s−1 were used for the quantification of the electrochemical properties of polyphenols present in four aqueous plant extracts. Antioxidant capacity expressed as mmoL of gallic acid equivalents per gram of dried weight of the sample (mmoL GAE g−1 dw) was deduced from the area below the major anodic peaks (Q400 pH 6.0, Q500 pH 4.7, Q600 pH 3.6). The results of electrochemical measurements suggest that the major contributors of antioxidant properties of examined plants are polyphenolic compounds that contain ortho-dihydroxy-phenol or gallate groups. Using Ferric reducing-antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2′-azino-bis spectrophotometric methods (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical cation-scavenging activity (ABTS) additionally determined antioxidant capacity. The FRAP results ranged from 2.9702–9.9418 mmoL Fe/g dw, while the results for ABTS assays expressed as Trolox equivalents (TE) ranged from 14.1842–42.6217 mmoL TE/g dw. The Folin–Ciocalteu procedure was applied to determine the total phenolics content (TP). The TP content expressed as Gallic acid equivalents (GAE) ranged from 6.0343–9.472 mmoL GAE/g dw. The measurements of total flavonoid (TF) and total condensed tannin (TT) contents were also performed to obtain a broader polyphenolic profile of tested plant materials. Origanum vulgare L. scored the highest on each test, with the exception of TT content, followed by the Mentha × piperita L., Artemisia annua L., and Artemisia absinthium L., respectively. The highest TT content, expressed as mg of (−)catechin equivalents per gram of dried weight of sample (mg CE/g dw), was achieved with A. absinthium extract (119.230 mg CE/g dw) followed by O. vulgare (90.384 mg CE/g dw), A. annua (86.538 mg CE/g dw) and M. piperita (69.231 mg CE/g dw), respectively. In addition, a very good correlation between electrochemical and spectroscopic methods was achieved.

Optimization of Fermentation Conditions of Artemisia capillaris for Enhanced Acetylcholinesterase and Butyrylcholinesterase

In this study, the fermentation of Artemisia capillaris by probiotic Leuconostoc mesenteroides MKJW (MKJW) was optimized to increase the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitory and antioxidant activities using the response surface method (RSM). The independent variables were the contents of A. capillaris, Gryllus bimaculatus, and yeast extract, while the dependent variables were AChE inhibitory activity, BuChE inhibitory activity, and antioxidant activities such as FRAP, reducing power, and DPPH radical scavenging ability. Seventeen experimental runs were designed with RSM and analyzed after fermentation with MKJW. Quadratic models were used to analyze the inhibition of AChE and BuChE, and a linear model was used to analyze the FRAP. The three models were significantly appropriate (p < 0.0001). The highest optimal condition of the AChE inhibitory activity was derived by a multiple regression equation. When the optimum fermentation conditions were A. capillaris 6.75%, G. bimaculatus 0.18%, and yeast extract 1.27%, 91.1% was reached for AChE inhibitory, 74.0% for BuChE inhibitory, and 34.1 mM FeSO4 for FRAP. The predicted dependent variables were not significantly different from the experimental values (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the A. capillaris fermented by MKJW might be used as a natural antidementia improving agent with AChE inhibitory, BuChE inhibitory, and antioxidant activities.

Artemisia annua L. Aqueous Extract Promotes Intestine Immunity and Antioxidant Function in Broilers

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Artemisia annua L. aqueous extract (AAE) on intestinal immune and antioxidative function of broilers. A total of 200 one-day-old Arbor Acre broilers were randomly allotted into five dietary treatment groups, with five replicates per treatment and eight broilers per replicate. The five treatment diets were formulated by adding, respectively, 0 (control group), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g/kg AAE in the basal diet. The results showed that dietary inclusion of AAE quadratically decreased interleukin (IL)-1β content, linearly decreased IL-6 content in the small intestine through regulating the nuclear factor-kappa B signal pathway, and quadratically increased immunoglobulin (Ig)M and sIgA content in ileum and jejunum. Besides, there was a quadratic decrease in the gene expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) in ileum on day 21, and the gene expression of IL-6 and TLR4 in duodenum on day 42, thereby improving small intestinal immune function in broilers. Additionally, dietary inclusion of AAE improves antioxidative function through the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signal pathway in the small intestinal mucosa of broilers, especially, quadratically increased catalase (CAT) and superoxidase dismutase activity in ileum, and total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase activity in duodenum, and quadratically decreased malondialdehyde concentration in ileum, besides, linearly increased heme oxygenase-1 and Nrf2 gene expression in jejunum and ileum on day 42, quadratically increased CAT gene expression in the small intestine. Furthermore, regression analyses of the above parameters showed that the optimal dose range of AAE in the diet of broilers was 1.12-1.38 g/kg.

Unveiling the Phytochemical Profile and Biological Potential of Five Artemisia Species

The Artemisia L. genus comprises over 500 species with important medicinal and economic attributes. Our study aimed at providing a comprehensive metabolite profiling and bioactivity assessment of five Artemisia species collected from northeastern Romania (A. absinthium L., A. annua L., A. austriaca Jacq., A. pontica L. and A. vulgaris L.). Liquid chromatography–tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS) analysis of methanol and chloroform extracts obtained from the roots and aerial parts of the plants led to the identification of 15 phenolic acids (mostly hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives), 26 flavonoids (poly-hydroxylated/poly-methoxylated flavone derivatives, present only in the aerial parts), 14 sesquiterpene lactones, 3 coumarins, 1 lignan and 7 fatty acids. Clustered image map (CIM) analysis of the phytochemical profiles revealed that A. annua was similar to A. absinthium and that A. pontica was similar to A. austriaca, whereas A. vulgaris represented a cluster of its own. Correlated with their total phenolic contents, the methanol extracts from both parts of the plants showed the highest antioxidant effects, as assessed by the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging, CUPRAC, FRAP and total antioxidant capacity methods. Artemisia extracts proved to be promising sources of enzyme inhibitory agents, with the methanol aerial part extracts being the most active samples against acetylcholinesterase and glucosidase. All Artemisia samples displayed good antibacterial effects against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra, with MIC values of 64–256 mg/L. In conclusion, the investigated Artemisia species proved to be rich sources of bioactives endowed with antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory and anti-mycobacterial properties.

Herbal Plants Application in Organic Poultry Nutrition and Production

Background:

Medicinal plants and natural feed additives are the most important alternatives in animal production, especially broiler production, due to the ban on the use of certain antibiotics, their cost-effectiveness and harmful residual effects.

Objective:

In this mini-review article, some important medicinal herbs and plants with positive effects on organic broiler production have been highlighted.

Methods:

A literature search was conducted in Science Direct, Google, Google Scholar, Springer, Medline and PubMed.

Results:

Medicinal plants such as ginger, ginkgo, thyme, ponderosa pine, soybean, forsythia, peppermint, Chinese star anise, astragalus, mistletoe, schisandra, cumin, capsicum, garlic, hooker chives, artichoke, Borreria latifolia, zataria, pomegranate, turmeric, lingzhi, Lippia javanica, neem, oriental chaff flower, mulberry leaf, goji berry, Aloe vera, pumpkin, grape, common nettle, marigold, coriandrum, Citrus sinensis, Alisma canaliculatum, Persian hogweed, Eucommiaulmoides, bamboo leaf extract, rosemary, Morina citrifolia, chestnut, green tea, wild mint, clove, sumac, satureja, ashwagandha, Lonicera japonica, Acacia, liquorice, Artemisia annua, milk thistle, cinnamon, black cumin and etc. have positive effects on organic broiler production.

Conclusion:

Herbal medicines lead to increased body weight due to a higher feed intake and a higher feed conversion ratio, and improve antioxidant activity of broiler chickens based on their phenolic compound contents. The combination of medicinal herbal additives also has a positive impact on broiler production. In organic broiler production with the usage of herbal plants, reducing hormones, growth promoters and antibiotics should be organized as well as considering appropriate organic feed management and higher production.

Potential, risks, and benefits of the extract recycled from Pteris vittata arsenic-rich biomass as a broiler growth promoter

The arsenic-rich biomass of Pteris vittata is a heavy burden to phytoremediation, but the compositions of extracts recycled from arsenic-rich biomass, such as rutin, may promote broiler growth. As such, this extract can be used to reduce the usage of antibiotics in the broiler industry and the cost of phytoremediation at the same time. Therefore, the critical issues for using extract from arsenic-rich biomass as a growth promoter have been studied, including its effective composition, health and environmental risks, and potential benefits and feasibility. Forty-five compounds were identified in the extract, and they were mainly flavonoids, chlorogenic acids, and proanthocyanidins, which can directly or indirectly influence the growth of broiler. The lifetime carcinogenic risks of broiler edible parts may be maximally increased by 4.75 × 10^-9 due to feeding the extract. The arsenic concentration of the farmland fertilized with the excrement from the broiler fed with the extract may increase by 0.00003-0.01857 mg/kg per year. Results revealed a feasible scenario that the sustainability of phytoremediation and broiler industry could be benefited through wastes from each other.

An Artemisia cina n-hexane extract reduces the Haemonchus contortus and Teladorsagia circumcincta fecal egg count in naturally infected periparturient goats

The objective of this study was to evaluate an n-hexane extract of Artemisia cina (Acn-h) as a natural anthelmintic treatment for periparturient goats naturally infected with the nematodes Haemonchus contortus and Teladorsagia circumcincta. A total of 200 periparturient Alpine and Nubian goats were used. Deworming criteria were based on the following parameters: fecal egg account (epg), ocular mucosa color (OMC), and body condition (BC). A previous analysis using coprocultures of the flock revealed the presence of H. contortus (80%) and T. circumcincta (20%). The Acn-h contained two new compounds identified by mass spectrometry data as isoguaiacin and norisoguaiacin at 284.14 and 315 m/z. The lethal effects of Acn-h at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mg/mL on H. contortus adult stages were 31.6, 66.5, 81.3, and 86.9%, respectively (p < 0.05), showing similar efficacy at 2 and 4 mg/mL with albendazole (positive control group). Then, two experimental groups, with 100 goats in peripartum in each, were distributed randomly and treated at day 0 as follows: group 1 = 4 mg/kg of Acn-h as single oral dose, and group 2 = control group, treated with water (as a placebo). The epg, OMC, and BC parameters were recorded at 0 (periparturient period), 7 (birth period), and 23 (postpartum) days and analyzed using a completely randomized design with Duncan's test for comparison of means and analysis of variance. The following epg reductions were recorded in the Acn-h-treated group as follows: 20.1 ± 34.4 and 31.7 ± 38.2% at days 7 and 23 compared to the control group. During the whole experiment, no significant differences in OMC or BC were observed in relation to the control group, excepting at day 23 (p < 0.05) for BC in the group treated with A. cina. Thus, Acn-h can be a useful natural alternative tool for the control of the nematodes H. contortus and T. circumcincta in periparturient goat flocks.

Artemisia lactiflora Extracts Prevent Inflammatory Responses of Human Macrophages Stimulated with Charcoal Pyrolysis Smoke

Artemisia lactiflora, a Chinese-origin plant, has been reported to have unique phytochemicals responsible for its medicinal properties. The growth of the agricultural industry emits air pollution, which has adverse effects on health. There are limited scientific reports on the biological activities of A. lactiflora. Studies on its activities and mechanisms may provide insight into its use in medicinal purposes to treat those health problems and conditions. In this study, leaves of A. lactiflora were extracted and fractioned with solvents of different polarities. Total phenolics, total flavonoids DPPH^• scavenging, ABTS^•+ scavenging, and cytotoxicity of A. lactiflora were assessed. Anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated by pre-treating macrophages with extract or fractions then induced inflammatory response by coconut shell pyrolysis smoke. Inflammatory responses were assessed by measuring pro-inflammatory genes expression and pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion. Among all extract and fractions of A. lactiflora, butanol fraction has the highest phenolic, flavonoid, and DPPH^• scavenging activity. All extract and fractions significantly down-regulated pro-inflammatory genes expression (RelA, TNF, IL6) and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion (TNF-α, IL-6), p < 0.0001, compared with pyrolysis smoke-induced macrophages. The ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest anti-inflammatory activity in decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion. These results may prove the anti-inflammatory activities of A. lactiflora through the inhibition of the NF-κB-dependent pathway. Taken together, this study first reported the anti-inflammatory activities of A. lactiflora. Thus, the plant can be used to prevent and treat inflammatory responses caused by highly oxidative pyrolysis smoke released from the re-utilization of agro-industrial leftovers.

Artemisia ordosica Polysaccharide Alleviated Lipopolysaccharide-induced Oxidative Stress of Broilers via Nrf2/Keap1 and TLR4/NF-κB Pathway

Artemisia ordosica is one of the main shrubby perennials belonging to Artemisia species of Asteraceae and could be used in folk Chinese/Mongolian medicine to treat symptoms of various inflammatory ailments. The present study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of dietary Artemisia ordosica polysaccharide (AOP) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced oxidative stress in broilers via Nrf2/Keap1 and TLR4/NF-κB pathway. A total of 192 1-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers were randomly allotted to four treatments with 6 replicates (n = 8): (1) CON group, non-challenged broilers fed basal diet; (2) LPS group, LPS-challenged broilers fed basal diet; (3) AOP group, non-challenged broilers fed basal diet supplemented with 750 mg/kg AOP; (4) LPS+AOP group, LPS-challenged broilers fed basal diet supplemented with 750 mg/kg AOP. The trial included starter phase (d 1-14), stress period Ⅰ (d 15-21), convalescence Ⅰ (d 22-28), stress period Ⅱ (d 29-35) and convalescence Ⅱ (d 36-42). During stress period Ⅰ (on d 15, 17, 19 and 21) and stress period Ⅱ (on d 29, 31, 33 and 35), broilers were injected intra-abdominally either with LPS solution or with an equal amount of sterile saline. The results showed that dietary AOP supplementation alleviated LPS-induced reduction in antioxidant enzyme activity and excessive production of ROS, 8-OHdG and PC in serum of broilers challenged with LPS. Moreover, dietary AOP supplementation alleviated the decrease of T-AOC and activities of SOD, CAT and GPx in liver of broilers challenged with LPS by increasing expression of Nrf2, and inhibiting over-expression of Keap1 both at gene and protein level. Additionally, dietary AOP supplementation decreased the over-production of IL-1β and IL-6 in liver of broilers challenged by LPS through decreasing mRNA expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB P65, IL-1β and IL-6, and alleviating the increase of protein expression of TLR4, IKKβ, NF-κB P65, IL-1β, IL-6, and the decrease of protein expression of IkBα. In conclusion, dietary AOP supplementation could alleviate LPS-induced oxidative stress through Nrf2/Keap1 and TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

Maximum levels of cross-contamination for 24 antimicrobial active substances in non-target feed. Part 12: Tetracyclines: tetracycline, chlortetracycline, oxytetracycline, and doxycycline

The specific concentrations of tetracycline, chlortetracycline, oxytetracycline and doxycycline in non-target feed for food-producing animals, below which there would not be an effect on the emergence of, and/or selection for, resistance in bacteria relevant for human and animal health, as well as the specific antimicrobial concentrations in feed which have an effect in terms of growth promotion/increased yield were assessed by EFSA in collaboration with EMA. Details of the methodology used for this assessment, associated data gaps and uncertainties are presented in a separate document. To address antimicrobial resistance, the Feed Antimicrobial Resistance Selection Concentration (FARSC) model developed specifically for the assessment was applied. The FARSC for these four tetracyclines was estimated. To address growth promotion, data from scientific publications obtained from an extensive literature review were used. Levels in feed that showed to have an effect on growth promotion/increased yield were reported for tetracycline, chlortetracycline, oxytetracycline, whilst for doxycycline no suitable data for the assessment were available. Uncertainties and data gaps associated with the levels reported were addressed. It was recommended to perform further studies to supply more diverse and complete data related to the requirements for calculation of the FARSC for these antimicrobials.

Improved Tolerance of Mycorrhizal Torreya grandis Seedlings to Sulfuric Acid Rain Related to Phosphorus and Zinc Contents in Shoots

Acid rain (AR) is an increasingly serious environmental problem that frequently occurs in Southern China with sulfuric acid rain (SAR) as the main type. SAR can negatively affect the growth and physiological properties of trees, but mycorrhizal associations may mitigate such detrimental effects. However, the mechanisms by which arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi control SAR-induced impacts on Torreya grandis plants remain unclear. A pot experiment was conducted on T. grandis seedlings, an economically important tree species in Southern China, in which inoculated and non-inoculated T. grandis seedlings were subjected to three simulated SAR regimes (pH of 5.6, 4.0, and 2.5, respectively) to examine the effects on the growth, osmotic regulation, and nutrient absorption of these seedlings. The results show that, although SAR had no effect on the accumulation of biomass, it significantly decreased the concentrations of proline and soluble protein, shoot Zn²⁺, P, K⁺, and Ca²⁺ concentrations, and the Fe²⁺ and Mn²⁺ concentrations of shoots and roots. Mycorrhizal inoculation, especially with Rhizophagus irregularis, significantly increased total biomass, proline concentration, and the Zn²⁺, P, and K⁺ concentrations in the shoots of T. grandis under lower pH conditions. Moreover, our findings suggest that the combination of root colonization, acid tolerance, and the concentrations of shoot-P, shoot-Zn²⁺, and root-Fe²⁺ of T. grandis jointly conferred mycorrhizal benefits on the plants under SAR conditions. Given the enhancement of the nutritional quality of T. grandis owing to mycorrhizal associations, inoculation with R. irregularis may be preferable for the culturing and management of these plants under acidic conditions.

Hesperidin and Naringin Improve Broiler Meat Fatty Acid Profile and Modulate the Expression of Genes Involved in Fatty Acid β-oxidation and Antioxidant Defense in a Dose Dependent Manner

The beneficial properties of the flavanones hesperidin and naringin as feed additives in poultry have lately been under investigation. In broilers, both flavanones have been shown to exhibit antioxidant properties while their individual effects on fatty acid (FA) composition and the underlying molecular mechanisms of their activity have not been explored. Here, we studied their effects on broiler meats' FA profiles and on the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism, antioxidant defense and anti-inflammatory function. The experimental design comprised six treatment groups of broilers, each supplemented from day 11 until slaughter at 42 days with hesperidin, naringin or vitamin E, as follows: the E1 group received 0.75 g of hesperidin per kg of feed, E2 received 1.5 g hesperidin/kg feed, N1 received 0.75 g naringin/kg feed, N2 received 1.5 g naringin/kg feed, vitamin E (VE) received 0.2 g a-tocopheryl acetate/kg feed, and the control group was not provided with a supplemented feed. The VE treatment group served as a positive control for antioxidant activity. An analysis of the FA profiles of the abdominal adipose tissue (fat pad), major pectoralis (breast) and biceps femoris (thigh) muscles showed that both hesperidin and naringin had significant effects on saturated FA (SFA), polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) and omega n-6 content. Both compounds reduced SFA and increased PUFA and n-6 content, as well as reducing the atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices in the breast muscle and fat pad. The effects on the thigh muscle were limited. An analysis of gene expression in the liver revealed that naringin significantly increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), Acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1) and glutathione disulfide reductase (GSR) expression. In the breast muscle, both hesperidin and naringin increased fatty acid synthase (FASN) expression and hesperidin increased the expression of adiponectin. In brief, both hesperidin and naringin supplementation beneficially affected FA profiles in the breast meat and fat pad of broiler chicken. These effects could be attributed to an increase in FA β-oxidation since the increased expression of related genes (PPARα and ACOX1) was observed in the liver. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of hesperidin and naringin previously observed in the meat of broilers could be attributed, at least partly, to the regulation of antioxidant defense genes, as evidenced by the increased GSR expression in response to naringin supplementation.

Sex-Specific Differences in the Physiological and Biochemical Performance of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi-Inoculated Mulberry Clones Under Salinity Stress

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are often considered bioameliorators. AMF can promote plant growth under various stressful conditions; however, differences between male and female clones in mycorrhizal strategies that protect plants from the detrimental effects of salinity are not well studied. In this study, we aimed to examine the interactive effects of salinity and AMF on the growth, photosynthetic traits, nutrient uptake, and biochemical responses of Morus alba males and females. In a factorial setup, male and female M. alba clones were subjected to three salinity regimes (0, 50, and 200 mM NaCl) and planted in soil with or without Funneliformis mosseae inoculation. The results showed that NaCl alone conferred negative effects on the growth, salinity tolerance, photosynthetic performance, and shoot and root ionic ratios (K+/Na+, Ca2+/Na+, and Mg2+/Na+) in both sexes; in contrast, mycorrhizal inoculation mitigated the detrimental effects of salinity. Furthermore, the mycorrhizal effects were closely correlated with Mn2+, proline, and N concentrations. Females benefited more from AMF inoculation as shown by the enhancements in their biomass accumulation, and N, proline, K+, Mg2+, Fe2+, Zn2+, and Mn2+ concentrations than males with mycorrhizal inoculation under saline conditions. In comparison, male plants inoculated with AMF showed improvements in biomass allocated to the roots, P, and peroxidase concentrations under saline conditions. These sex-specific differences suggest that male and female mulberry clones adopted different mycorrhizal strategies when growing under saline conditions. Overall, our results provide insight into the sex-specific difference in the performance of AMF-associated mulberry clones, suggesting that female mulberry could be more suitable for vegetation remediation than the male one, due to its higher salinity tolerance.

Chemical Composition and Bioactivity of Essential Oil of Ten Labiatae Species

Using antibiotics as feed additives have been successively banned worldwide from 1986; therefore, it is an urgent task to finding safe and effective alternatives. As natural products of plant origin, essential oils (EOs) are an outstanding option due to their reported bioactivity. In this research, ten EOs of Labiatae species were extracted by steam distillation and its chemical constituents were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 123 chemical compounds, including alkenes, phenols, aldehydes and ketones, were identified. The results of antioxidant activity carried out through DPPH free radical scavenging (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), showing that EOs of Ocimum basilicum Linn. (ObEO), Thymus mongolicus Ronn. (TmEO), Origanum vulgare Linn. (OvEO) and Mosla chinensis Maxim. (McEO) have strong antioxidant activities. Their 50%-inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) value was <1.00, 1.42, 1.47 and 1.92 μg/mL, respectively; and their FRAP value was 1536.67 ± 24.22, 271.84 ± 4.93, 633.71 ± 13.14 and 480.66 ± 29.90, respectively. The results of filter paper diffusion showing that McEO, OvEO and TmEO inhibition zone diameter (IZD) are all over 30 mm. The results of two-fold dilution method showed that McEO, OvEO and TmEO have strong antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and their minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) value was 1 μL/mL, 2 μL/mL, and 2 μL/mL, respectively. In conclusion, the results in this work demonstrate the possibility for development and application of EOs as potential feed additives.

Optimization extraction and characterization of Artemisia ordosica polysaccharide and its beneficial effects on antioxidant function and gut microbiota in rats

In this study, a novel polysaccharide was isolated from Artemisia ordosica by water-extraction-ethanol-precipitation method. The optimal extraction conditions of Artemisia ordosica polysaccharide (AOP) were determined by single factor investigation and response surface methodology optimization, and were shown as follows: a liquid–solid ratio of 15.4 : 1 mL g⁻¹, extraction time of 4.3 h, extraction temperature of 60 °C. Under the optimal conditions, the extraction yield and the sugar content of the AOP were 5.56% and 52.65%. Gel permeation chromatography coupled to multi-angle laser light scattering, a refractive index detection system and ion-exchange chromatography were used to determine the characterization of AOP. These results indicated that AOP, with a molecular weight of 2.1 kDa (62.6%) and 1.5 kDa (37.4%), had narrow polydispersity and rod conformations, and was composed of arabinose, galactose, glucose, xylose, mannose, galacturonic acid and glucuronic acid with molar ratio of 6.87 : 10.67 : 54.13 : 2.49 : 18.37 : 4.83 : 2.64 : 2.64. In addition, AOP exerted antioxidant ability in vitro and in vivo (rats). Moreover, AOP significantly modulated the composition of cecal microbiota population. Therefore, AOP is expected to be a functional ingredient for health improvement through improving antioxidant ability and modulating gut health.

Artemisia ordosica polysaccharide is expected to be functional ingredient for health improvement through improving antioxidant ability and modulating gut health.