The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2025; 14(6):422-431 ;   DOI:10.31254/phyto.2025.14602

Research Article

In vivo immunomodulatory effects of Trachyspermum ammi, Capsicum annuum, and Zingiber officinale alone and in combination in broiler chickens

Sanjay H. Vaghela¹ , Kamlesh A. Sadariya² , Pruthvi S. Suthar³ , Shailesh K. Bhavsar⁴ , Vaidehi N. Sarvaiya⁵

Sanjay H. Vaghela,Kamlesh A. Sadariya,Pruthvi S. Suthar,Shailesh K. Bhavsar,Vaidehi N. Sarvaiya

1. Teaching Associate, Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary College, Kamdhenu University, Anand- 388001, Gujarat, India
2. Associate Professor & Head, Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary College, Kamdhenu University, Anand- 388001, Gujarat, India
3. Senior Research Fellow, Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary College, Kamdhenu University, Anand- 388001, Gujarat, India
4. Professor & Head, Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary College, Kamdhenu University, Anand- 388001, Gujarat, India
5. Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary College, Kamdhenu University, Anand- 388001, Gujarat, India

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 17th November, 2025 / Accepted: 13th January, 2026 / Published : 30th January, 2026

Abstract

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Background: Phytogenic feed additives have gained considerable attention as natural immunomodulators in poultry production due to increasing restrictions on antibiotic growth promoters. Medicinal plants such as Trachyspermum ammi, Capsicum annuum and Zingiber officinale possess bioactive compounds with potential immunostimulatory properties. Objective: The present study was designed to investigate the in vivo immunomodulatory effects of Trachyspermum ammi, Capsicum annuum and Zingiber officinale powders, administered individually and in combination, in broiler chickens. Materials and Methods: A total of 120-day-old Ven-Cobb broiler chicks were randomly distributed into ten dietary treatment groups, including a basal diet control and a vitamin E-selenium supplemented standard control. Experimental diets consisted of ajwain, capsicum and ginger powders incorporated at 5 and 10 g/kg feed, either alone or in combination and were fed for 35 days. Cell-mediated immunity was evaluated using the cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity (CBH) response to phytohemagglutinin-P, while humoral immunity was assessed by haemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody titers against Newcastle disease virus. Hematological parameters and histopathological changes in immune organs were also examined. Results: Dietary supplementation with phytogenic powders resulted in a significant enhancement of CBH responses at both 100 and 200 µg phytohemagglutinin-P doses compared to the control group, indicating improved cell-mediated immune function. Humoral immune response was significantly elevated on days 21 and 35, particularly in birds receiving Capsicum annuum (5 g/kg), Zingiber officinale (10 g/kg) and combination treatments, with responses comparable to the vitamin E–selenium group. Hematological findings revealed increased lymphocyte counts and reduced heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratios in supplemented groups. Histopathological evaluation of the bursa of Fabricius, thymus and spleen showed pronounced lymphocytic hyperplasia, reflecting enhanced immune activation. Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrate that dietary inclusion of Trachyspermum ammi, Capsicum annuum and Zingiber officinale, particularly at optimal inclusion levels and in combination, effectively enhances both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in broiler chickens. These phytogenic feed additives may serve as promising natural alternatives to conventional immunomodulatory supplements in poultry nutrition.

Keywords

Phytogenic feed additives, Ajwain, Capsicum, Ginger, Immunomodulation, Broiler chickens, Cell-mediated immunity, Humoral immunity

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