A natural plant compound called sanguinarine-baicalin salt protected chickens from a serious bacterial infection by improving survival rates and reducing organ damage, according to research published in Poultry Science. When chickens received 20 mg of the compound per kilogram of feed after infection, they showed the best survival outcomes and healthier organs compared to untreated infected chickens, though the compound was less effective than antibiotics at directly killing bacteria.
Researchers tested a natural compound made from two plants, sanguinarine and baicalin, to see if it could help chickens survive a serious bacterial infection called avian pathogenic E. coli O78. According to Gram Research analysis, when chickens were given this compound in their food at the right dose, more of them survived the infection, they grew better, and their organs stayed healthier. The compound worked by reducing inflammation in the chickens’ bodies and improving their gut health. While the compound wasn’t as strong as antibiotics at killing bacteria directly, it helped the chickens’ own immune systems fight back more effectively.
Key Statistics
A 2026 research article in Poultry Science found that broiler chickens receiving 20 mg per kilogram of sanguinarine-baicalin salt in their feed showed the lowest mortality rates and best growth performance after infection with avian pathogenic E. coli O78.
The plant compound sanguinarine-baicalin salt had a minimum inhibitory concentration of 256 micrograms per milliliter against APEC O78 bacteria, compared to 32 micrograms per milliliter for the antibiotic amoxicillin, according to 2026 laboratory testing.
Chickens treated with 20 to 40 mg per kilogram of sanguinarine-baicalin salt showed significant improvements in blood markers of organ damage including ALT, CREA, and UA levels, plus reduced inflammatory cytokines, according to a 2026 poultry study.
The plant compound improved intestinal barrier function and increased expression of protective genes while reducing inflammatory gene activity in infected chickens, according to 2026 gene expression analysis in Poultry Science.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether a natural plant-based compound could protect chickens from a serious bacterial infection and help them recover better
- Who participated: Broiler chickens (chickens raised for meat) that were deliberately infected with a harmful bacteria called APEC O78 to test how well the natural compound protected them
- Key finding: Chickens that received 20 mg of the plant compound per kilogram of food had the best survival rates and showed the most improvement in growth, organ health, and reduced inflammation compared to untreated chickens
- What it means for you: This research suggests that natural plant compounds might offer a useful alternative or addition to antibiotics for protecting farm animals from bacterial infections, though more research is needed before this could be used in real farming situations
The Research Details
The researchers conducted two types of experiments. First, they tested the plant compound in a laboratory setting to see how well it could kill bacteria and stop bacterial growth. They measured the minimum amount needed to stop bacterial growth, which was 256 micrograms per milliliter, compared to 32 micrograms per milliliter for the antibiotic amoxicillin. Second, they performed a live animal study where they deliberately infected broiler chickens with the harmful bacteria on days 11 to 13 of their lives, then gave different groups of chickens different amounts of the plant compound in their food starting on day 14. They tracked survival rates, how well the chickens grew, the health of their organs, blood markers of inflammation, and changes in their gut bacteria.
This research approach is important because it tests whether a natural compound works not just in a test tube but in living animals with real immune systems. The researchers looked at multiple markers of health and recovery, not just whether the chickens survived. This gives a more complete picture of how the compound actually protects the animals.
The study was published in Poultry Science, a peer-reviewed scientific journal. The researchers measured many different health markers including survival, growth, organ damage, blood chemistry, gut health, gene expression, and bacterial composition in the gut. However, the exact number of chickens used in each group was not specified in the abstract, which makes it harder to evaluate the statistical strength of the findings. The study was conducted in a controlled laboratory setting, so results may differ in real farm conditions.
What the Results Show
The plant compound, called sanguinarine-baicalin salt, improved survival rates in infected chickens, with the 20 mg per kilogram of food dose producing the best results. Chickens receiving this dose also showed better growth performance and healthier liver and spleen sizes compared to untreated infected chickens. Blood tests showed that treated chickens had lower levels of harmful enzymes (ALT) and waste products (CREA and UA) that indicate organ damage, suggesting their livers and kidneys were protected from the infection. The compound also reduced inflammatory markers in the blood, meaning it helped calm down the chickens’ overactive immune response to the infection.
The plant compound improved the structure and health of the chickens’ intestines, which is important because the gut is a major barrier against bacterial infection. Gene expression studies showed that treated chickens had increased activity of genes related to intestinal barrier function and decreased activity of genes involved in inflammatory pathways. The compound also changed the composition of bacteria living in the chickens’ cecum, the part of the gut where bacteria ferment food. Liver protein analysis suggested the compound helped protect cells from stress and maintained proper energy metabolism in the liver.
While the plant compound was less effective at directly killing bacteria in laboratory tests compared to the antibiotic amoxicillin, it appeared to work through a different mechanism by boosting the chickens’ own immune defenses and reducing harmful inflammation. This approach of supporting the body’s natural defenses rather than just killing bacteria is an emerging strategy in animal health research.
The study did not specify the exact number of chickens used in each treatment group, making it difficult to assess statistical power. The laboratory tests showed the compound was less effective at killing bacteria directly than standard antibiotics, and it did not significantly prevent bacteria from forming biofilms, which are protective communities of bacteria. The study was conducted under controlled laboratory conditions, so results may not directly apply to chickens raised on commercial farms with different stress levels and environmental conditions. The optimal dose range was 20 to 40 mg per kilogram, but the study did not fully explore why higher doses were less effective.
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, the plant compound sanguinarine-baicalin salt shows promise as a protective supplement for chickens facing bacterial infection risk, particularly at doses of 20 to 40 mg per kilogram of feed. However, this research is preliminary and was conducted in laboratory conditions. Before farmers could use this compound, additional studies would be needed to confirm effectiveness in real farm settings and to determine if it could be used alongside or instead of antibiotics. Confidence level: Moderate, based on controlled laboratory study with multiple health markers measured.
Poultry farmers and producers concerned about bacterial infections in their flocks should follow this research, as it offers a potential natural alternative to antibiotics. Veterinarians treating chickens may find this useful as background information. People interested in reducing antibiotic use in animal agriculture should pay attention to this type of research. This research is less relevant to people who simply eat chicken, as the compound would need to be approved for use in animal feed first.
In this study, chickens showed improvements in survival and health markers within 3 to 4 days of receiving the plant compound after infection. However, real-world results on farms might take longer to appear and could vary based on farm conditions, stress levels, and other factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can natural plant compounds replace antibiotics in treating chicken infections?
This research suggests plant compounds like sanguinarine-baicalin salt may help protect chickens by boosting their immune response rather than directly killing bacteria. However, they appear less potent than antibiotics at bacterial killing, so they may work best as preventive supplements or alongside antibiotics, not as complete replacements.
What dose of sanguinarine-baicalin salt works best for protecting chickens from bacterial infection?
According to this 2026 study, 20 to 40 mg per kilogram of feed produced the most favorable results, with 20 mg per kilogram showing the lowest mortality rates. Higher doses were less effective, suggesting there is an optimal range for this compound.
How does sanguinarine-baicalin salt help chickens fight bacterial infections?
The compound works by reducing inflammation in the body, strengthening the intestinal barrier, and changing gut bacteria composition to favor beneficial microbes. It also protects organs like the liver and kidneys from damage caused by the infection and immune response.
Is this plant compound safe to use in chicken feed?
This study showed protective effects at doses of 20 to 40 mg per kilogram without reporting safety concerns, but the research was conducted in controlled laboratory conditions. Real-world safety testing and regulatory approval would be needed before farmers could use this in commercial feed.
When should farmers give this compound to chickens to prevent infection?
In this study, the compound was given starting one day after infection was introduced. For prevention on farms, it would likely be given during high-risk periods, but optimal timing for preventive use requires additional research in real farm settings.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily survival rates and weight gain in a flock receiving the supplement, comparing to a control group, measuring outcomes over 7 to 14 days post-infection
- If managing poultry, users could implement a preventive feeding protocol adding the plant compound at 20-40 mg/kg during high-risk infection periods, documenting flock health metrics weekly
- Establish a baseline of normal flock mortality and growth rates, then monitor for changes after introducing the supplement, tracking blood work markers and gut health indicators monthly
This research was conducted in controlled laboratory conditions on broiler chickens infected with a specific bacterial strain. Results may not directly apply to chickens raised on commercial farms or to other poultry species. The sanguinarine-baicalin salt compound has not been approved by regulatory agencies for use in animal feed in most countries. Farmers should consult with veterinarians before implementing any new health protocols. This research is preliminary and should not replace established veterinary care or approved treatments for bacterial infections in poultry. Always follow local regulations regarding animal health products and antibiotics.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.