Antibiotics alternatives: Plant extracts, spices and essential oils

The use of extracts of plants, phytobiotics and essential oils is mainly due to their effect on the intestinal function since among the therapeutic properties that they can have, the following stand out: antiseptic, bactericidal, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, carminative, euphotic.

One of the most interesting functions is the bactericide. Although in practice satisfactory results are obtained, its mechanism of action is still not completely known, although it could be due to the pressure, they exert on the cell membrane of the bacteria, giving rise to imbalances that compromise the osmotic balance and can eventually destroy the bacteria.

One of the characteristics of plant oils and extracts is the synergy with other organic products commonly used in animal feed. On the other hand, research is being carried out on their positive effect on improving digestive secretions and enzyme functioning at the intestinal level and hepatic.

Most of these combinations of phytobiotics and essential oils are marketed for their organoleptic properties in the functional group of ‘flavourings’ defined by Regulation (EC) No 831/2003 for use in animal nutrition as ‘substances whose addition to feed increases flavour or palatability’.

These products are not yet authorised for health or zootechnical purposes as further research is needed into their mechanism of action, optimal use rate, efficacy, repeatability of results and safety. In the case of use at inadequate doses they can present toxicity, although the toxicity is lower than natural extracts and essential oils if they are not purified.