Mode of action of herbal feed additives

The presence of secondary metabolites help the plant to interact with environment and withstand stress, both physiological and environmental .Mainly these plant metabolites belong to class of flavonoids, glucosinolates and isoprene derivatives, etc and act as antioxidants or antibiotics. When included in animal feed mostly these herbs change flavor promoting intake and secretion of digestive fluids. Herbs act on bacterial cell wall structure, denature it and lead to protein coagulation. The lipophilic nature of essential oils of herb are mainly responsible for altering permeability of cytoplasmic membrane to K+ and H+ ions which disrupts essential cellular processes like protein translocation, electron transport, oxidative phosphorylation and similar enzyme-dependent reactions leading to loss of chemiosmotic control and finally bacterial death. The anti-oxidant activity due to phenolic compounds, terpenoids and flavonoids help in protecting cells, tissue and food from auto-oxidative reactions. Herbal feed additives promote nutrient utilization, absorption and stimulate immune system which is mainly due to alteration in intestinal micro biota, enhanced digestibility and nutrient absorption mainly nitrogen, improved immune response and anti-oxidant activity. Overall, inclusion of herb contributes to nutrient supply stimulating endocrine system and promoting intermediate nutrient metabolism. Whole plant or parts like seed, bark, twigs, cloves, leaves, fruit, root, rhizome or bulb of herbs are included in animal ration to promote health of animal and production.