Antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and hepatomodulatory effects of aqueous extracts of Petiveria alliacea root and leaf on growing pullets

Abstract

Aim of study: To evaluate antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and hepatomodulatory effects of aqueous extracts of Petiveria alliacea L. (Guinea hen weed) root and leaf on growing pullets.Area of study: Abeokuta, Nigeria.Material and methods: Two hundred and eighty eight eight-weeks-old Isa-brown pullets were divided into eight treatments which consisted in birds administered root extracts or leaf extracts at four different concentrations (0, 15, 30 and 45 ɡ/L). Each treatment was replicated three times with 12 pullets per replicate.Main results: Oocyst counts was lower (p<0.05) in pullets administered root extract (78.42 opɡ) compared with leaf extract (103.58 opɡ). Oocyst counts was lower (p<0.05) in pullets administered 30 and 45 ɡ/L root or leaf extract compared with other treatments. Bacteria counts reduced (p<0.05) in pullets administered root extract compared with leaf extract. Pullets administered 45 ɡ/L root extract recorded lowest (p<0.05) bacteria count. Bursa and thymus weights increased in pullets administered root or leaf extract compared with the control. Pullets administered 30 and 45 ɡ/L root or leaf extract had highest (p<0.05) antibody titre against Newcastle disease vaccine 8.80, 8.86, 8.74 and 8.80 (log2) respectively. There was fatty infiltration in liver of control birds, while hepatocytes appeared normal in liver of pullets administered P. alliacea extracts.Research highlights: P. alliacea root and leaf extracts at 45 ɡ/L performed best as antimicrobial, immune-stimulating and hepato-protective agent in pullets. This study highlights P. allicaea as a valuable antimicrobial and immunostimulating agent in poultry production.

Amazonian Plants: A Global Bibliometric Approach to Petiveria alliacea L. Pharmacological and Toxicological Properties

“…It is also interesting to note the progression in the number of publications over the years, which was 0.9 articles/year in the first decade, increasing in the following decades to 1.4 and 2.3 articles/year. Between 2021 and 2022, eight articles were published [ 2 , 4 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 12 , 19 ]. This, however, points to the continuity of the progression, reaching four articles/year.…”

“…Regarding the plant derivatives used in the studies, leaves [ 2 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 14 , 15 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 29 , 30 , 32 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 38 , 41 , 42 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 48 , 50 , 56 , 57 ], roots [ 7 , 16 , 33 , 37 , 39 , 43 , 47 , 49 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 55 ], and stems [ 16 , 21 , 24 , 26 , 36 , 37 , 39 , 45 , 49 , 51 , 58 ], respectively, we...…”

“…Petiveria alliacea L. (Phytolaccaceae) is a plant species widely distributed in the Amazon region but also found in various regions of the Americas, including the Caribbean islands and Mexico [ 6 ]. It is characterized as an herbaceous plant with a height ranging from 5 to 150 cm, featuring an erect, cylindrical stem and branches [ 7 ]. In traditional medicine, P. alliacea finds application in various therapeutic approaches, among which stand out antispasmodic, diuretic, abortive, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activity, in addition to central nervous system activities, such as anxiolytic effects, and use in the treatment of dementia and nervous disorders [ 8 ].…”

Polyphenols and Organic Acids as Alternatives to Antimicrobials in Poultry Rearing: A Review

“…Based on positive results from using Petiveria alliacea to improve bird growth and performances, the extract of its leaf and root were tested in growing pullets [ 45 ]. The anticoccidial and antimicrobial effects were exerted by different bioactive compounds (saponins, alkaloids, sulphur compounds, PPs) and the efficiency was higher with root extract than leaf extract.…”

“…Specifically, as anticoccidials, tannins, flavonoids, and phenols mitigated the parasitic infectious intensity thanks to their antioxidant activity. Instead, as natural antimicrobials they destroy microbial cell structure [ 45 ].…”