Phytobiotics are plant-derived natural bioactive compounds that can be incorporated into diets in order to enhance the performance and well–being of animals. Phytobiotics represent a wide range of plant-derived compounds. It was found that natural herbs contain a variety of biologically active phytochemicals such as flavonoids, terpenoids, lignans, linalool and other essential oils that proved antimicrobial, antioxidant, digestive and immune-stimulatory effects. However, lately, the immuno-modulation mechanisms of herbs and their derivatives in poultry have been studied previously with successful results. Immuno-modulation can be defined as a change (stimulating or suppressing) in the indicators of cellular, humoral and non-specific defense mechanisms. Herbal plants exert immunological effects through their secondary metabolites.
Phytogenic plants proved their immune-stimulatory activity through cytokine production, macrophage activation and lymphocyte activity or anti-inflammatory activity.
Capsicum:
study was carried out to determine the efficacy of red pepper in controlling Newcastle Disease (ND) along with some symptomatic antibiotic and supportive therapy. A total of 1110 broiler from two farms were used in this study. The results revealed that the inclusion of red pepper (8 pieces per liter water) along with combined antibiotics produce higher efficacy in controlling ND, where survival rate was 92.35% in one farm (Farm A) and 90.5% in another farm (Farm B) containing 600 broilers at the age of 19 days. Overall mortality reduces to 15.88% and 18.5% of Farm A and Farm B, respectively.
Shallots:
Study aimed to evaluate the antiviral activity of extract of five Allium plants (shallots, garlic, onions, leeks, and green onions) and pure compounds of quercetin, zalcitabine (ddC), allicin, and ribavirin against adenovirus. Most of the Allium plants tested were non-toxic to human lung carcinoma (A549) cells, and shallots exhibited the highest level of antiviral activity for both ADV41 and ADV3, followed by garlic and onions. Shallots exhibited the highest level of antiviral activity against ADV3 and ADV41 infection from 0 to 2h, during the early period of virus replication. Shallots can become potent contender against IBH, EDS and Gizzard Erosion diseases in poultry.
Ginger:
Ginger constituents have demonstrated antifungal and antiviral activity. Shogaol and zingerone strongly inhibited Salmonella typhi, Vibrio cholerae and Tricophyton violaceum. Aqueous extracts have also been shown to be effective against Trichomonas vaginalis.
Aloe vera:
In vitro studies suggest that Aloe vera has antiviral activity due to its interference with DNA synthesis. The polysaccharide fractions of aloe gel inhibit the binding of benzopyrene to primary rat hepatocytes and thus prevent the formation of potentially cancer-initiating benzopyrene DNA adducts in vitro. This was later confirmed by in vivo studies.
This is just an example that how we can explore potential antiviral herbs. During above exploration I came across many surprisingly unique points of avian immunology along with herbs and molecules that could effectively regulate it. With the help of the above information I designed a product named VIROCON few years back which control mortalities in severe viral outbreaks. I mean it is really possible to save birds sometimes through knowledge of immunology and special intervention in the light of scientific evidences.
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