Needle Extracts Research Articles

Weighing system with low evaporation error for liquid microflow down to 1 mg/min

A static weighing system for a liquid microflow calibration rig, whose minimum flow rate is 1 mg/min (equivalent to 1 μL/min for water), was designed and evaluated. The developed weighing system, which can collect over 10 g of water, has two features: (i) an automatic detachable device with a sealing and wiper mechanism in contact with a needle and (ii) a flexible air bag to contain the air from the weighing vessel. Having these two features, the weighing system succeeds in reducing the evaporation effect as well as preventing tension on the weighing scale. However, uncertainty due to the mass difference of adhering liquid on the outside surface of needle before needle insertion and after needle extraction should be considered. Theoretical and experimental analysis were conducted. The mass difference due to the adhering liquid on the needle was estimated to be smaller than 1/3 of the target standard uncertainty of mass measurement set at 0.1 mg, indicating that the detachable procedure was not a dominant uncertainty source for mass measurement. The evaporation rate during collection was experimentally estimated to be less than 0.001 mg/min, which corresponds to less than 0.1% for the lowest flow rate of 1 mg/min.

Assessment of biologically active compounds, organic acids and antioxidant activity in needle extracts of different Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst) half-sib families

Assessment of biologically active compounds, organic acids and antioxidant activity in needle extracts of different Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst) half-sib families

Effects of Silver Fir (Abies alba Mill.) Needle Extract Produced via Hydrodynamic Cavitation on Seed Germination.

This paper describes the antigerminant capacity of water extracts of silver fir needles created by means of hydrodynamic cavitation processes. Fir needles (2 kg fresh weight) collected in the winter were blended and crushed in ice, poured in water only (120 L) and processed in a controlled hydrodynamic cavitation device based on a fixed Venturi-shaped reactor. The A. alba water extract (AWE), comprising an oil-in-water emulsion of silver fir needles’ essential oil (100% AWE), was diluted in distilled water to 75% and 50% AWE, and all aqueous solutions were tested as antigerminant against four weeds and four horticultural species and compared to control (distilled water). This study shows the effective inhibitory effect of pure AWE on germination, which mainly contains limonene (15.99 ng/mL) and α-pinene (11.87 ng/mL). Seeds showed delayed germination and inhibition but also a reduction in radicle elongation in AWE treatments as compared to control. This combined effect was particularly evident in three weeds (C. canadensis, C. album and A. retrofllexus) while horticultural species showed mainly effects on the radicle elongation as found in L. sativa, P. crispum and S. lycospermum, which showed on average 58%, 32% and 28%, respectively, shorter radicles than in the control. P. sativum was not affected by AWE, thus raising the hypothesis that seed characteristics and nutrition reserve might play a role in the resistance to terpenes inhibitory effect.

Cytotoxic activity of Pinus cembra L. needle extract: A preliminary study on HeLa cell line

The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic effects of a hydromethanolic extract obtained from cembran pine needles in HeLa cell line. In this respect, the effects of needle extract on protein synthesis, viability, proliferation and cell cycle in HeLa cells were evaluated after 48 h treatment. Cembran pine needle extract dose-dependently decreased protein synthesis in HeLa cells causing 44.26% reduction in protein synthesis at 100µg/ml. At 25, 50 and 100µg/ml, it increased cell death in comparison with the control (20.99%, 21.49% and 23.63%, respectively vs. 9.83%). In addition, at 100µg/ml, cembran pine needle extract showed a remarkable antiproliferative effect whereas at 25 and 50µg/ml, it induced sub-G1 phase cells accumulation (11.68 ± 0.81% and 14.69 ± 0.56%, respectively in comparison with control, 6.03 ± 0.55%), an indicator of proapoptotic effects. Taken together, these results indicate that cembran pine needles are a source of compounds with antitumor potential which needs to be further investigated and exploited.

Comparative Evaluation of Apoptosis Induction Using Needles, Bark, and Pollen Extracts and Essential Oils of Pinus eldarica in Lung Cancer Cells

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Although effective clinical drugs for treating advanced stages are available, interest in alternative herbal medicines has gained momentum. Herbal extracts are potent antioxidants that reportedly inhibit the growth of various cancer cell lines. In the present study, we investigated the effects of essential oils and hexane, methanolic, and aqueous extracts, obtained from various parts (bark, needles, and pollen) of Pinus eldarica against human lung cancer (A549) cells. First, the DPPH radical scavenging activities of P. eldarica extracts and essential oils were examined, which revealed that methanolic extracts presented higher antioxidant activity than the other extracts and essential oils. Next, A549 cells were exposed to various concentrations of the extracts and essential oils for 48 h. P. eldarica extracts/essential oil-treated lung cancer cells demonstrated a significant decrease in cell proliferation, along with an induction of apoptotic cell death, particularly, the pollen hexane extract, bark essential oil, and methanolic needle extract showed superior results, with IC50 values of 31.7, 17.9, and 0.3 μg/mL, respectively. In the cell cycle analysis, treatment of A549 cells with the methanolic needle and pollen hexane extracts led to apoptosis and accumulation of cells in the sub-G1 phase. Further, exposure to the bark essential oil and methanolic needle extract decreased the cell population in the G2/M phase. Notably, treatment with the pollen hexane extract, bark essential oil, and methanolic needle extract resulted in caspase-3 activation, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage, Bcl-2 downregulation, and Bax and p53 regulation in A549 cells. Furthermore, these extracts and essential oils decreased the migration, and colony formation of A549 cells. These findings provide experimental evidence for a new therapeutic effect of P. eldarica against human lung cancer and suggest P. eldarica as a potential chemopreventive natural resource for developing novel cancer therapeutics.

Effect of Cedrus deodara extract on the physiochemical and sensory properties of salted meat and its action mechanism

The effect of pine needle extract from Cedrus deodara (PNE) on the quality of salted meat was reported, and its action mechanism was further investigated. With the treatment of PNE, the physicochemical properties of salted meat were improved. The peroxide value decreased from 16.18 to 6.78mmol O2 /kg, while the thiobarbituric acid value decreased from 0.79 to 0.40mg MDA/kg. Moreover, the salted meat with PNE also had the better texture, color, and volatile compositions. The 0.2% PNE group showed the highest ΔE value (63.16± 0.56), hardness (813.5± 48.7g), and volatility (45.86± 0.39), while the control group showed the lowest ΔE value (43.92± 2.13), hardness (515.8± 17.3g) and volatility (29.97± 0.56). In addition, with the analysis of fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy, the spatial structures of myofibrillar protein (MP) in salted meat were obviously changed by PNE. Meanwhile, methylconiferin, 1-O-feruloyl-β-D-glucose, nortrachelogenin, secoxyloganin, 1-O-(4-coumaroyl)-β-D-glucose and pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside were identified from PNE. Furthermore, according to the analysis of molecular docking, hydrogen bond, hydrophobic force, and electrostatic force were obtained as the main molecular forces between MP and the phenolic compounds of PNE, while arginine, glutamic acid, and glycine residues were the main binding sites. All results suggested that PNE might be a potential candidate to improve the quality of salted meat in the food industry. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The quality deterioration of meat may not only affect its further processing and consumption but also may lead to some food safety problems. In present study, PNE exhibited the fine capability to inhibit the oxidation of meat, while it could ameliorate the texture, color, and physicochemical properties of meat due to its tightly interaction with myofibrillar protein. All result suggested that PNE could be potentially utilized to improve the quality of meat in food industry.

Investigation and Analysis of Sharp Injuries among Health Care Workers from 36 Hospitals in Shandong Province, China.

Background This study investigated and analyzed the current situation of sharp injuries among health care workers (HCWs) in China's Shandong Province. Methods By means of questionnaire survey, the incidence of sharp injuries among HCWs from 36 hospitals in China's Shandong Province in October 2019 was investigated, and the results of this survey were compared with those of October 2012. Results A total of 48165 HCWs were investigated. 549 cases of sharp injuries occurred. The incidence of sharp injuries was 1.14%, which was significantly lower than that in October 2012 (9.71%). In the occupational distribution of sharp injuries among HCWs, the proportion of nurses was 58.65%, doctors 23.32%, and interns 12.02%. Among the distribution of sharp injury departments, general wards, operating rooms, intensive care units, disinfection supply centers, and outpatient clinics were the high-incidence sites of occupational exposure among HCWs. The main instruments causing sharp injuries in HCWs were syringes, scalp steel needles, surgical suture needles, vacuum blood collection needles, and glass slides. Drug administration, double-handed loop needle cap, blood extraction, surgical suture needle, and arteriovenous needle extraction were high-risk operations causing sharp instrument injuries in HCWs. Conclusion The incidence of sharp injuries among HCWs from 36 hospitals in Shandong Province in October 2019 was significantly lower than that in October 2012. Sharp injuries were a common type of occupational exposure for HCWs. The occurrence of sharp injuries should be effectively reduced by changing wrong habitual behavior and implementing standard protective measures.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Fermented Pine Needle Extract on Productive Performance, Egg Quality, and Serum Lipid Parameters in Laying Hens.

Simple SummaryIn recent decades, the use of phytogenic feed additives as natural growth promoters has been substantially increased in the poultry industry. Fermented pine (Pinus densiflora) needle drink is used as a functional beverage in Korea due to its antioxidant effects. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to determine the effects of fermented pine needle extract on laying performance, egg quality, lipid parameters, and lipid oxidation of eggs in laying hens. Supplementation of fermented pine needle extract in laying hens’ diet improved productive performance and egg quality parameters.This study aimed to investigate the supplemental effects of fermented pine (Pinus densiflora) needle extract (FPNE) in laying hen diets on productive performance, egg quality, and serum lipid metabolites. A total of 108 40-week-old Hy-line brown laying hens were randomly assigned to one of the three dietary treatment groups: (1) basal diet + 0 mL FPNE/kg diet (CON), (2) basal diet + 2.5 mL FPNE/kg diet (T1), or (3) basal diet + 5 mL FPNE/kg diet (T2) for 6 weeks. Each group consisted of four replicates of nine hens each. Feed and water provided ad libitum. Results showed that dietary supplementation of FPNE increased egg production percentage (linear, p < 0.01 and quadratic, p < 0.05), egg mass (linear, p < 0.05), and feed intake (linear, p < 0.05) during the entire experimental period. In addition, dietary inclusion of FPNE significantly increased the eggshell color (linear, p < 0.01), egg yolk color (quadratic, p < 0.01), and eggshell breaking strength (linear, p < 0.05 and quadratic, p < 0.05) while the Haugh unit decreased (quadratic, p < 0.05). However, serum lipid profile did not differ among the dietary treatments (p > 0.05). Notably, antioxidant activity of egg yolk was improved by significantly decreasing the malondialdehyde content in egg yolks after 6 weeks of storage (linear, p < 0.001 and quadratic, p < 0.05). In summary, dietary inclusion of FPNE could improve laying performance and the antioxidant capacity of eggs.

The bioactive of Pinus merkusii needle and bark extract as antioxidantand anti-aging

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Pinus merkusii&lt;/em&gt; is a native pine species to Southeast Asia and has used as an oleoresins source and raw material for pulp and paper industries. This plant also possesses several biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory and larvicidal activity. This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant and antiaging activity of &lt;em&gt;P. merkusii&lt;/em&gt; needle and bark. The qualitative phytochemical screening was used to evaluate the presence of secondary metabolites compounds. DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl) methods evaluated the antioxidant activity, and an anti-tyrosinase assay was used to evaluate the antiaging activity. Phytochemical analysis showed flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, tannins, and terpenoids in both extracts. Bark extract showed the presence of saponins and triterpenoids, while needle extract possesses steroids. The antioxidant activity (IC50) of &lt;em&gt;P. merkusii&lt;/em&gt; bark extract was 59.32 ± 1.74 µg/mL, stronger than needle extract (68.67 ± 1.47 µg/mL). Also, the bark extract showed higher inhibitory activity of tyrosinase (IC50) 74.97 ± 1.54 µg/mL than needle extract (96.08 ± 1.77 µg/mL). From this investigation, P. merkusii bark extracts appeared to have more potential as a natural source of antioxidants and antiaging and might be beneficial in these subjects.&lt;/p&gt;

솔잎 추출물의 노인성 탈모 두피 탄력강화에 대한 유효성 연구

본 연구는 솔잎 추출물의 노인성 탈모 두피 탄력 강화에 대한 기능적 효능과 임상적 유효성을 검증하고자 첫째, 모발의 특성과 손상 및 연령별 노인성 탈모에 관해 파악하고, 둘째, 노인성 탈모 관리제품의 기능적 효능과 임상적 유효성 을 검증하고자 한다. 본 연구를 위해 Basic and Specific(BASP) 분류 기준에 근거해 안드로겐성 탈모증이 있는 20~54세 의 남녀를 대상으로 두피 탄력 강화 기능성 솔잎 추출물의 임상적 유효성 파악을 위해 피부 반응도 및 자극도 측정, 모발 굵기 측정, 모발 인장강도 측정, 모발 SEM 촬영, 피험자 대상 사후 설문을 하였다. 연구결과 모발 굵기 변화, 모발 인장강도, 모발 SEM 관찰에서 두피 탄력 강화 기능성 솔잎 추출물 사용이 모질과 두피에 긍정적인 개선 효과를 나타내었으나, 실험이 물리적 측면에서 설계된 연구한계로 생리 활성 측면의 연구가 향후 후속된다면 연구목적에 부합하는 객관적 자료로 보완이 가능할 것이다.

Assessing the susceptibility of some gut bacteria to the extract from needles of Turkish pine

Plant extracts have the potential to be safe alternatives to antibiotics that disrupt the gut flora. The aim of the present study was to assess the susceptibility of some gut bacteria to the extract from needles of Turkish pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) using microdilution method in an anaerobic chamber. Turkish pine needle extract promoted the growth of Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium infantis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus from gut commensals at 0.2-6.25 mg/mL, 0.4-6.25 mg/mL, and 0.4-1.6 mg/mL dose ranges, respectively (P

Subsequent Acupuncture Reverses the Aftereffects of Intermittent Theta-Burst Stimulation.

ObjectiveThis study explored whether acupuncture affects the maintenance of long-term potentiation (LTP)-like plasticity induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and the acquisition of motor skills following repetitive sequential visual isometric pinch task (SVIPT) training.MethodsThirty-six participants were recruited. The changes in the aftereffects induced by intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) and followed acupuncture were tested by the amplitude motor evoked potential (MEP) at pre-and-post-iTBS for 30 min and at acupuncture-in and -off for 30 min. Secondly, the effects of acupuncture on SVIPT movement in inducing error rate and learning skill index were tested.ResultsFollowing one session of iTBS, the MEP amplitude was increased and maintained at a high level for 30 min. The facilitation of MEP was gradually decreased to the baseline level during acupuncture-in and did not return to a high level after needle extraction. The SVIPT-acupuncture group had a lower learning skill index than those in the SVIPT group, indicating that acupuncture intervention after SVIPT training may restrain the acquisition ability of one’s learning skills.ConclusionAcupuncture could reverse the LTP-like plasticity of the contralateral motor cortex induced by iTBS. Subsequent acupuncture may negatively affect the efficacy of the acquisition of learned skills in repetitive exercise training.

Anti-Obesity Effect of Pine Needle Extract on High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice.

Background: Obesity due to an excessive intake of nutrient disturbs the hypothalamus-mediated energy metabolism subsequently develops metabolic disorders. In this study, we investigated the effect of pine needle extract (PNE) on the hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons involved in the regulation of energy balance via melanocortin system and fat tissue metabolism. Methods: We performed electrophysiological and immunohistochemical analyses to determine the effect of PNE on POMC neurons. Mice were fed a normal or high-fat diet for 12 weeks, then received PNE for the last 2 weeks to measure the following physiological indices: Body weight, food intake, fat/lean mass, glucose metabolism, and plasma leptin levels. In addition, changes of thermogenic, lipolytic, and lipogenetic markers were evaluated in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and white adipose tissue (WAT) by western blotting, respectively. Results: PNE increased hypothalamic POMC neuronal activity, and the effect was abolished by blockade of melanocortin 3/4 receptors (MC3/4Rs). PNE decreased body weight, fat mass, plasma leptin levels, and improved glucose metabolism after high-fat-induced obesity. However, PNE did not change the expression of thermogenic markers of the BAT in HFD fed groups, but decreased only the lipogenetic markers of WAT. This study suggests that PNE has a potent anti-obesity effect, inhibiting lipogenesis in WAT, even though HFD-induced leptin resistance-mediated disruption of POMC neuronal activity.

Study on Separation and Purification of Chemical Components of Dichloromethane from Pine Needle Extract

To study the chemical composition of the extract of cedar pine needle methylene chloride. Methods: The paper used silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography to separate and purify, and carried out structural identification based on physical and chemical properties and spectral data. At the same time, gallic acid was preliminarily separated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the separation conditions of gallic acid were determined, and the content change of gallic acid after tannin was acid-decomposed was determined, proving that the extract may contain decomposable hydrolysis Tannin or compound tannin. Results: Five compounds were isolated from the dichloromethane extract of cedar pine needles, which were identified as: ferulic acid (1), osthol (2), β-phenylacrylic acid (3), paeonol (4), Magnolol (5). Conclusion: All compounds except Compound 5 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

Chitosan based antioxidant films incorporated with pine needles (Cedrus deodara) extract for active food packaging applications

Pine needles (Cedrus deodara) comprise curcuminoid pigments, which are natural phenolic compounds. This study aimed to investigate the effect of pine needle extract (PNE) addition 5, 10, and 20% (v/w) on the antioxidant assay, physical, oxygen, water vapor permeability, color, and microstructures of the films were performed on scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The films containing PNE at the concentration of 10 and 20% showed a high antioxidant assay (total phenolics, DPPH, and radical scavenging assessment by the ABTS). The PNE content increase from 5% to 20% in films decreased the oxygen permeability (0.259 ± 0.01 to 0.08 ± 0.01 cm3 mm m−2 day−1 Pa−1) and water vapor permeability (2.18 ± 0.02 to 1.67 ± 0.11 g mm/m2 h kPa) of all films. In contrast, the thickness of films containing PNE slightly increased from 0.032 ± 0.003 to 0.041 ± 0.009 mm. PNE incorporated films had a greenish color, while neat CH film was somewhat yellowish. The notable alterations in terms of surface microstructure in the CH films containing 10 and 20% PNE were noticed. XRD illustrated the excellent compatibility between CH and PNE. CH films gained a significant antioxidant property and improved their characteristic properties by incorporating PNE, presenting a useful food packaging application.

Efficacy of combination of needle extract, hesperidin and vitamin C in treatment of chronic venous diseases

In Russia, physicians are virtually unaware of drugs based on needle extract. However, abroad, saponins and, in particular, a combined preparation containing needle extract, hesperidin and vitamin C is one of drugs of choice, if not the leading medication in treatment of venous oedemas and other venous symptoms. The authors conducted a systematic review of the Russian-and English-language literature using the following search terms: saponins, hesperidin, needle, ruscus, ruscogenin (and their Russian equivalents), each of which was entered in a combination with the word 'venous' or its Russian equivalent, respectively. Ruscogenin and neoruscogenin from the root of needle possess anti-inflammatory properties and induce venous wall contraction, thus making it possible to use needle extract in treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. It was experimentally determined that needle extract stimulates vein contractility, decreasing permeability of the venous wall, influencing extracellular matrix proteins, inhibiting leukocyte migration through regulation of both proteins and matrix ribonucleic acid. Analysed herein are the results of original studies of a combination of needle extract, flavonoid hesperidin methyl chalcone and ascorbic acid, also examining in detail the mechanism of action conditioned by synergism of pharmacological effects of these components. This is followed by discussing the place of saponins in the classification of phlebotropic drugs and comparing efficacy of needle root extract with that of other phlebotonics. It was experimentally determined that a combination of needle extract, hesperidin and vitamin C possesses multiple additive phlebotropic effects. According to clinical trials, it leads to relief of most symptoms and a decrease in the ankle volume (high level of evidence 1A), being not inferior by clinical efficiency and duration of action to the best-known flavonoids, whereas by the venotonizing effect, decreased permeability of the vascular wall, and inhibition of leukocytic aggression even superior thereto. Further experimental and clinical studies of efficacy of this combination for various forms of chronic venous diseases and venous thromboses are warranted.

The cytotoxic activity of pine needles ethanolic extract of Pinus merkusii on HeLa cell lines

Several efforts have been made to discover new anticancer agents based on natural ingredients. Meanwhile, previous studies have shown that different Pine genus species exhibit cytotoxic activity against various types of cancer cells. This plant is rich in phenolic compounds, especially procyanidins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the in vitro cytotoxicity of Pinus merkusii needles extract on HeLa cancer cell lines. The cytotoxicity assessment was measured using MTT assay and expressed as IC50 value. The results showed that the ethanolic extract poses a dose and time-dependent cytotoxic activity with an IC50 value of 542.5 µg/ml at 48 hours of incubation. Based on this result, Pinus merkusii needles’ ethanolic extract has the potential of a novel candidate for an anticancer agent.

Effect of feeding with processed by-products of forests biomass on metabolism of cows

The effect of aqueous extract of pine needles, pine nut shells and arabinogalactan on the metabolism of dairy cows was studied. The objectives of the research were to investigate the elemental composition of aqueous extract of pine needles, pine nut shells and arabinogalactan and to study the effect of cows’ feeding on aqueous extract containing these supplements on the biochemical parameters of blood, physical and biochemical parameters of cows’ urine. The experiment was carried out in theKrasnoyarskTerritoryon black-and-white cows at the age of fi calving with an average body condition and life weight of 580-600 kg. Two groups of cows were formed, 10 animals in each. The duration of the experiment was 100 days. The cows were kept tied, in year-round stalls, milking was carried out automatically into the milk pipe. According to the scheme of the experiment, the control group was fed on the main diet, the experimental group was given aqueous extract (200 ml/head/day) of pine needles (15 g/l), pine nut shells (25 g/l) and arabinogalactan (25 g/l) in addition to the main diet. The test infusion was fed in a mixture with concentrated feed. The feeding ration corresponded to the zootechnical standards. It was found that feeding cows on aqueous extract of the studied forest components did not have a negative eff on the metabolism in the body of the animals: the biochemical parameters of blood and the physicochemical parameters of cows’ urine corresponded to the norm of healthy animals. At the same time, metabolic processes in the blood of the cows in the experimental group were very intensive, mineral and carbohydrate metabolism improved, as evidenced by an increase in glucose content by 16.6%, iron – by 17.8, phosphorus – by 13.0%.

Pine Needle Extract Applicable to Topical Treatment for the Prevention of Human Papillomavirus Infection.

Most cervical cancers are associated with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Currently, cervical cancer treatment entails surgical removal of the lesion, but treatment of infection and preventing tissue damage are issues that still remain to be addressed. Herbal medicine and biological studies have focused on developing antiviral drugs from natural sources. In this study, we analyzed the potential antiviral effects of Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucc. leaf extracts against HPV. The pine needle extracts from each organic solvent were analyzed for antiviral activity. The methylene chloride fraction (PN-MC) showed the highest activity against HPV pseudovirus (PV). The PN-MC extract was more effective before, rather than after treatment, and therefore represents a prophylactic intervention. Mice were pre-treated with PN-MC via genital application or oral administration, followed by a genital or subcutaneous challenge with HPV PV, respectively. The HPV challenge results showed that mice treated via genital application exhibited complete protection against HPV. In conclusion, PN-MC represents a potential topical virucide for HPV infection.

Effect of dietary supplementation of a phytogenic blend containing Schisandra chinensis, Pinus densiflora, and Allium tuberosum on productivity, egg quality, and health parameters in laying hens.

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to investigate the supplementary effect of a phytogenic blend (SPA: a mixture containing fermented Schisandra chinensis pomace, fermented Pinus densiflora needle extract, and Allium tuberosum powder in the ratio of 2:2:1) on egg production, egg quality, blood constituents, and visceral organs in laying hens.MethodsA total of 135 Hy-line brown laying hens (48-wk-old) were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments with 5 replicates of 9 hens. The control group (CON) was fed a basal diet (no exogenous SPA addition) and the experimental groups were fed the basal diet containing SPA at the level of 0.1% and 0.3% for 6 weeks.ResultsThe feed intake was significantly improved in SPA supplemented groups as compared with the control (p<0.05). However, egg production, daily egg mass, and feed conversion ratio were not different among the dietary treatments (p>0.05). For egg quality traits, only Haugh unit (HU) was significantly improved in SPA (0.3%) (p<0.05) as compared with other groups. However, HU was not affected during 4-wk of storage at 18°C among the dietary treatments (p>0.05). Furthermore, SPA supplementation did not affect the blood biochemical constituents except for the phosphate content, which was significantly higher in SPA groups than the CON group (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in visceral organ characteristics and immune indicators (immunoglobulin A [IgA], IgG, and IgM) in SPA or CON groups.ConclusionThis study suggested that the supplementation of SPA may have beneficial effects on feed intake and egg quality in laying hens.