Use of Spirulina platensis and Curcuma longa as Nutraceuticals in Poultry

Adrian Bondar, Loredana Horodincu, Gheorghe Solcan () and Carmen Solcan
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Adrian Bondar: Department of Preclinics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences, Ion Ionescu de la Brad, 700489 Iasi, Romania
Loredana Horodincu: Department of Preclinics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences, Ion Ionescu de la Brad, 700489 Iasi, Romania
Gheorghe Solcan: Internal Medicine Unit, Clinics Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences, Ion Ionescu de la Brad, 8, M. Sadoveanu Alley, 700489 Iasi, Romania
Carmen Solcan: Department of Preclinics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences, Ion Ionescu de la Brad, 700489 Iasi, Romania

Agriculture, 2023, vol. 13, issue 8, 1-23

Abstract: Since the banning of antibiotics in animal feeds (2006), there has been an increase in the number of studies looking for alternatives to stimulate the gut immune system. The main objective of our review article is to underline the nutraceutical properties of Curcuma longa and Spirulina platensis in the broiler chicken industry, and the experimental data were obtained by analyzing literature sources. Spirulina platensis is widely recognized as a valuable protein source, containing approximately 55–70% protein, 25% carbohydrates, essential amino acids, and 18% fatty acids. It is also rich in various vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, pyridoxine, vitamin B12, vitamin C, gamma-linolenic acid, phycocyanins, tocopherols, chlorophyll, beta-carotenes, carotenoids, exhibiting positive effects on growth performance, gut integrity, and immunity. The anti-inflammatory effect of spirulina supplementation at different levels showed a decrease in caspase-3 and the TNF-α immunolabeling index; a reduction in IL-1β, IL-2 and IFN-γ; and an increase in the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4. Spirulina inhibits the synthesis of cytokines IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-gamma in addition to the activities of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) enzymes. Turmeric also positively influences the growth, egg production, and overall health of chickens. Curcumin, the most potent component of turmeric, possesses additional pharmacological activities, including hepatoprotective, immunostimulant, and anticancer effects. Its immunomodulatory properties greatly enhance the immune system response, acting as a natural antibiotic against pathogens and decreasing levels of proinflammatory interleukins IL-1β, IL-6, IL-2, IL-18, and TNF-α.

Keywords: chickens; spirulina; turmeric; growth promoters; immunomodulators (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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