Intestinal health is critical in the poultry industry due to its pivotal role in efficient food absorption. Given the constraints on antibiotic use in industrial settings, there is a growing interest in natural-derived products as potential enhancers of intestinal health through immune system modulation. Teak Leaves, Turmeric, and Ginger have emerged as promising feed additives for fortifying the mucosal immune system in broiler chickens. However, understanding how these herbs confer protective effects remains challenging, given the intricate nature of mucosal immunity and its role in maintaining gut health. This study adopts a network biological approach to decode the complex web of protein interactions within mucosal immunity and explore the immunomodulatory potential of bioactive compounds found in these herbs. Biological networks were constructed for gut health and mucosal immunity, focusing on common proteins to identify promising targets. Our analysis pinpoints Interleukin-6 (IL-6) as the central protein governing gut health and mucosal immunity. Further exploration reveals that several bioactives, primarily from Teak Leaves and Ginger, form tight interactions with IL-6. This interaction presents an opportunity to influence the IL-6 signaling pathway, ultimately modulating mucosal immunity. Notably, ß-sesquiphellandrene, Luteolin 7-O-diglucuronide, Verbacoside, and Quercetin emerge as promising IL-6 inhibitors, establishing multiple hydrogen bonds and demonstrating favorable binding affinities. Molecular dynamics simulations provide visual insights into the stability of these compounds during their interaction with IL-6. In summary, the potential mucosal immunomodulatory effects of Teak Leaves, Turmeric, and Ginger may be harnessed through IL-6 inhibition, thus fostering a healthier gut microstructure, optimizing nutrient absorption, and restoring physiological balance. These natural additives hold significant promise for revolutionizing poultry intestinal health in a sustainable, antibiotic-free manner.
Keywords | IL-6 inhibition; Intestinal health; Mucosal immunity; Natural feed additives; Poultry industry.