Nutraceutical Potential of the Low Deciduous Forest to Improve Small Ruminant Nutrition and Health: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Nutraceuticals are defined as livestock feeds that combine their nutritional value with their beneficial effects on animal health. We analyzed the outcomes from nearly 20 years of research assessing the nutraceutical properties of plants consumed by sheep and goats in low deciduous forests. A systematic review of different databases suggested 31 peer-reviewed manuscripts according to pre-established criteria. Amongst these, 16 manuscripts described in vitro evaluations investigating the bioactivity of plant secondary compounds in the extracts of 12 plant species. Most of these studies used the abomasal nematode Haemonchus contortus as the parasite model. Meanwhile, 11 manuscripts reported in vivo trials under controlled pen conditions, evaluating the relationships between the intake of leaves from different plant species and their secondary compounds and animal nutrition, performance, and gastrointestinal nematode infections. Additionally, four manuscripts described studies under natural feeding conditions. Altogether, the studies showed the inherent complexity of the relationship between small ruminants, plants, nutrients, secondary compounds, and gastrointestinal nematodes in natural feeding systems. Several plant species can be considered good candidates for nutraceutical use. Our findings warrant future work to understand the relationship between plants, ruminants, and their parasites, with the aim to improve the sustainability of production systems based on the native vegetation of tropical forests.

Organ-on-Chip: Advancing Nutraceutical Testing for Improved Health Outcomes

“…For centuries, nutraceuticals have been recognized and valued as an abundant source of therapeutic agents. Consequently, traditional treatments have been employed since ancient times to effectively treat and alleviate various diseases. − The rapid growth of the nutraceuticals industry requires the pharmaceutical industry to address emerging scientific challenges and global public concerns about the efficacy and safety of nutraceuticals claimed to promote health. − Herbal medication offers a rational approach for managing chronic conditions that may be difficult to treat using other medical systems. This has sparked a renewed interest in medicinal plants for disease control, leading to their widespread adoption by individuals seeking complementary and alternative medicine options as well as the pharmaceutical industry. , As a result, there is a growing global use of herbal medicine for addressing various health concerns.…”

“…Typically considered functional foods, nutraceuticals contain bioactive compounds that possess potential medicinal properties and are intended to supplement the diet . Approximately 80% of the population in developing countries depends on plants for medicinal purposes . Many nutraceutical products, i.e., Saw palmetto, Echinacea, and turmeric/curcumin, are derived from plants or herbs and contain natural compounds or phytochemicals that sometimes have been extensively studied for their ability to provide health benefits.…”

“…Although such mechanisms of action certainly need to be established in vitro, the efficacy, potency, and safety of these active substances must also be proven in vivo . Phytochemicals, such as carotenoids, tannins, polyphenols, and phenols, act as natural radical scavengers and organic sources of antioxidants. − Due to antimicrobial resistance and the toxicity issues of synthetic antimicrobial agents, there is an unmet need to discover novel therapeutic sources to counter infectious diseases . The lack of efficacy and the risk of potential side effects of current pharmaceuticals have led researchers to explore advanced chemoprotective solutions that prescribe plant extracts as natural compounds.…”

“…The lack of efficacy and the risk of potential side effects of current pharmaceuticals have led researchers to explore advanced chemoprotective solutions that prescribe plant extracts as natural compounds. Many cultivated and wild plant species have been examined for their pharmaceutical potential to inhibit free radicals. − Several studies have successfully led to drug discovery processes from herbal sources and identified a diverse source of phyto-antioxidants. − The plant metabolites responsible for the high antioxidant potential, mainly flavonoids and phenols, can be further characterized by biochemical assays. In recent decades, plants have been used not only for their nutritional value but also for treating many health problems …”

“… 1 Approximately 80% of the population in developing countries depends on plants for medicinal purposes. 2 Many nutraceutical products, i.e., Saw palmetto, Echinacea, and turmeric/curcumin, are derived from plants or herbs and contain natural compounds or phytochemicals that sometimes have been extensively studied for their ability to provide health benefits. These products may include a range of natural substances, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal compounds, which have been shown to improve immunity and the anti-inflammatory effect and protect against chronic diseases and cancers.…”