The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2025; 14(5):393-404 ; DOI:10.31254/phyto.2025.14514
Evaluation of immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities of Azadirachta indica and Tinospora cordifolia alone and in combination in broilers
Pruthvi S. Suthar1 , Kamlesh A Sadariya2 , Sanjay H. Vaghela3 , Shailesh K Bhavsar4
1. M.V.Sc. Scholar, Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Science and A. H., Kamdhenu University, Anand- 388001, Gujarat, India
2. Associate Professor & Head, Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Science and A. H., Kamdhenu University, Anand- 388001, Gujarat, India
3. Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Science and A. H., Kamdhenu University, Anand- 388001, Gujarat, India
4. Professor & Head, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Science and A. H., Kamdhenu University, Anand-388001, Gujarat, India
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 5th September, 2025 / Accepted: 29th October, 2025 / Published : 30th November, 2025
Background: Phytogenic feed additives, including various herbs and spices in powder forms, are employed in poultry diet to enhance flavour, palatability and overall productive performance along with pharmacological beneficial effects, such as antioxidative, immunomodulatory and antimicrobial. It is a matter of great global concern to take effective strategies to reduce antibiotic use in chicken production to limit the spread of antimicrobial resistant bacteria and find some safe, natural alternatives to antibiotics. Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities of Azadirachta indica and Tinospora cordifolia alone and its combinations in broilers. Materials and Methods: Total of 96 chicks were divided randomly to 8 groups (n=12). Group I received Basal diet (control); Group II received Basal diet + vitamin E & selenium supplementation (standard control); Group III & IV received Basal diet + Azadirachta indica @ 5 and 10 g/kg feed, respectively; Group V & VI received Basal diet + Tinospora cordifolia @ 5 and 10 g/kg feed, repectively; Group VII & VIII received Basal diet + Azadirachta indica and Tinospora cordifolia in combination @ 5 and 10 g/kg feed, respectively. The experiment was conducted for 35 days. Various parameters like CBH, antibody titre against new castle disease vaccine and biochemical parameters like serum total protein, serum albumin, serum globulin and albumin to globulin (A/G) ratio were evaluated. On 35th day, haematological investigation (DLC and H/L ratio) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. Histopathological examination of thymus, spleen and bursa of fabricius were carried out at the end of the experiment. Results: Dietary supplementation of Azadirachta indica and Tinospora cordifolia powder alone and its combinations, showed significantly (p<0.05) higher CBH response and HI antibody titre indicated its beneficial effect in terms of augmenting the cell mediated as well as humoral immune response in broiler. It also significantly improved the serum total protein, serum globulin and significantly decreased the A/G ratio along with significantly decreased heterophils, H/L ratio and significantly increases lymphocytes. Histopathological evaluation of bursa of fabricius, spleen and thymus revealed no histopathological alteration in powder supplemented birds. Malondialdehyde was significantly reduced in birds supplemented with Azadirachta indica and Tinospora cordifolia powder alone and its combinations evinced its antioxidant activity. Azadirachta indica and Tinospora cordifolia powder alone and its combinations had a similar effect to that produced by standard vitamin E & selenium supplementation. Conclusion: Findings from this study revealed that supplementation of Azadirachta indica and Tinospora cordifolia at given doses in feed possesses immunostimulants and antioxidant effects in broilers.
Azadirachta indica, Tinospora cordifolia, Immunomodulatory, Antioxidant activities, Broilers
HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE
Suthar PS, Sadariya KA, Vaghela SH, Bhavsar SK. Evaluation of immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities of Azadirachta indica and Tinospora cordifolia alone and in combination in broilers. J Phytopharmacol 2025; 14(5):393-404. doi: 10.31254/phyto.2025.14514
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