Natural plant extracts and compounds to improve the condition of gut microbiota

Sára Drozenová

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

The gut microflora plays a crucial role in the health of everyone, including both humans and animals. Therefore, improving the condition of gut microbiota has become an important aspect of animal health. In recent years, natural plant extracts and compounds have gained attention for their potential to improve gut health. This literature review aimed to identify natural plant extracts and compounds in specific plant species, which could be used to improve the condition of animals' gut microbiota. The plant species identified include Thea sinensis, Withania somnifera, Astragalus membranaceus, Panax ginseng, and Scutellaria baicalensis. These plants have been shown to possess various bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and polysaccharides, which can promote the growth of beneficial gut microorganisms and inhibit harmful ones. These properties make these plant extracts and compounds potential candidates as health-promoting feed additives for livestock. Further research is needed to confirm the efficacy of these natural plant extracts and compounds in improving gut microbiota, as well as their safety and practicality as feed additives.

Keywords

microflora, antimicrobial, selective effect, combinatory effect

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 18. 4. 2023

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 24. 5. 2023
• Supervisor: Ing. Olga Leuner, Ph.D.
• Reader: Iva Kučerová, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences

Bachelor programme / field:
Agricultural Specialization / Agriculture in Tropics and Subtropics