Astragalus, Epimedium, and Fructus Ligustri Lucidi Extract May Enhance Immune Performance and Antioxidant Capacity in Goslings

Strategic Insights -

Investigators from Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering have conducted a study to investigate the effects of Astragalus, Epimedium, and Fructus Ligustri Lucidi (AEF) extract on the immune function, antioxidant capacity, meat quality, intestinal morphology, and intestinal barrier integrity of goslings. The study found that AEF extract can enhance immune performance and antioxidant capacity in goslings, thereby improving intestinal health.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study employed an intraperitoneal injection method with a concentration of 2.96 mmol/mL H2O2 to establish a model of oxidative stress in goslings.
  • Twenty-four 1-month-old Magang geese were randomly divided into four groups: control group (C group), AEF treatment group (AEF group), H2O2 stress group (S group), and AEF and H2O2 stress group (S + AEF group).
  • The results showed that compared with the control group, the body weight, spleen weight, bursa index of fabricius, spleen index, and thymus index of goslings in the S group were decreased (p < 0.05).
  • The activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and catalase (CAT) in serum, liver, and jejunum of goslings in the S group were decreased (p < 0.05).
  • In contrast, the AEF group and the S + AEF group showed increased immune performance and antioxidant capacity compared to the control group.

Statistics:

  • The body weight of goslings in the S group decreased by 14.13% compared to the control group.
  • The activity of GSH-PX in serum of goslings in the S group decreased by 26.45% compared to the control group.
  • The activity of T-SOD in liver of goslings in the S group decreased by 34.21% compared to the control group.
  • The activity of CAT in jejunum of goslings in the S group decreased by 41.82% compared to the control group.

Sources:

  • Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
  • Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2025,12. (Frontiers in Veterinary Science - http://www.frontiersin.org/Veterinary_Science)
  • doi:10.3389/fvets.2025.1558440
  • Qing Qu, Innovative Institute of Animal Healthy Breeding, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
  • Yihong Sun, Yayan Liang, Yongsheng Nie, Ming Gao, Yaohui Yuan, Wei Wang, Shuo Zhou.