Abstract
Background and Aim:Rhazya stricta is a herbal plant widely used in traditional medicine due to its proficiency and naturalness with few side effects. In this study, we investigated the impact of using an R. stricta extract supplement on broiler chickens’ performance, especially the immune system.Materials and Methods:In addition to the control group, one group received the methanol extract of R. stricta in drinking water for the first 2 weeks before being challenged with sheep erythrocytes (SRBCs), while the other group was challenged with SRBCs without receiving the R. stricta treatment. We evaluated cellular immunity by determining the phagocytic activity and lymphocyte (L) proliferation and assessed humoral immunity by quantification of the serum total IgM and IgG. We measured the serum levels of antioxidant enzymes and performed a histological examination of the spleen and the bursa of Fabricius (BF).Results:Our results indicate a significant enhancement in cellular immunity in the group supplemented with R. stricta as demonstrated by a significant increase in the phagocytic activity, L proliferation, and percentages of circulating L (p<0.05). The chickens treated with R. stricta exhibit an enhanced humoral response shown by a significant elevation in the serum levels of the total antibodies of the IgM and IgG isotypes, along with a notable increase in BF activity. Furthermore, R. stricta supplementation is associated with a significant increase in the serum levels of catalase and superoxide dismutase (p<0.05), along with a significant improvement in broilers’ general performance, body weight, and feed efficiency.Conclusion:Our results suggest an immunomodulatory effect for the methanol extract of R. stricta and highlight the potential use of this plant in preventive and therapeutic medicine.
Highlights
The utilization of conventional medicine is the backbone of essential medicinal services, especially in developing nations
Our results indicate a significant enhancement in cellular immunity in the group supplemented with R. stricta as demonstrated by a significant increase in the phagocytic activity, L proliferation, and percentages of circulating L (p
The chickens treated with R. stricta exhibit an enhanced humoral response shown by a significant elevation in the serum levels of the total antibodies of the IgM and IgG isotypes, along with a notable increase in bursa of Fabricius (BF) activity
Summary
The utilization of conventional medicine is the backbone of essential medicinal services, especially in developing nations. The use of natural medication in the developed world is increasing. More people are turning toward traditional medicine, which they believe has fewer harmful and adverse reactions than do Western medications. Bioactive constituents derived from plants are utilized as nourishment-added substances, colors, insect repellents, beautifying agents, and perfumes. These compounds are collectively known as secondary metabolites. With the increasing interest in medicinal plants as a source of medication, examining new plants with known therapeutic properties. Rhazya stricta is a herbal plant widely used in traditional medicine due to its proficiency and naturalness with few side effects. We investigated the impact of using an R. stricta extract supplement on broiler chickens’ performance, especially the immune system
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