FUNAAB Researcher Identifies African Parquetina as Potential Plant-Based Alternative for Poultry Infections

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has recorded a research breakthrough indicating the potential of African Parquetina (Parquetina nigrescens) as a plant-based alternative to conventional antibiotics for managing bacterial infections in poultry.

The findings were presented by Dr. Wuraola Adegun during a research presentation titled “Does African Parquetina (Parquetina nigrescens) possess Haematopoietic and Antimicrobial Properties on Salmonella Typhimurium-Challenged Broiler Chickens?” held at the Laboratory of the Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR) on October 6, 2026.

The programme was chaired by Prof. Olubukola Adenubi, a distinguished authority in Veterinary Pharmacology.

Dr. Adegun said the research was prompted by the increasing prevalence of bacterial infections, particularly Salmonella, in poultry production, alongside growing concerns about antimicrobial resistance linked to the excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics in livestock production.

According to her, P. nigrescens contains bioactive phytochemicals, including saponins, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids and cardiac glycosides. These compounds could contribute to the plant’s antimicrobial, antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties.

The study involved 320 broiler chicks and assessed the in-vitro and in-vivo antimicrobial activity of the plant extract, its effects on haematological parameters and its influence on gastrointestinal microbial populations in broiler chickens challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium.

The findings showed that P. nigrescens inhibited Salmonella Typhimurium in-vitro, with the level of inhibition increasing at higher concentrations of the extract.

The administration of the extract also affected red and white blood cell counts, neutrophils, lymphocytes and other haematological parameters, indicating possible benefits for blood formation and immune response.

Dr. Adegun further reported that the extract reduced microbial loads under certain administration conditions, noting that the route and frequency of administration played important roles in determining its effectiveness.

She concluded that the plant demonstrated considerable potential as a low-cost phytobiotic for managing bacterial infections in broiler chickens. However, she called for further research to establish its safety, appropriate dosage and practical application.

In his closing remarks, the Director of IFSERAR, Prof. Kazeem Bello, commended Dr. Adegun for the quality of her presentation and challenged her to advance the research by developing P. nigrescens into a feed-grade product that would be convenient for farmers to use.

Prof. Bello also encouraged collaboration among small-ruminant researchers to explore similar applications of the plant in sheep and goats.

He disclosed that the Institute would record its recent research presentations for broadcast on FUNAAB Radio 89.5FM, with the aim of making its research outputs accessible to a wider audience.

The IFSERAR Director also urged Research Fellows to take advantage of the two-week open call for proposals by submitting multidisciplinary research projects capable of advancing the Institute’s research mandate.

The research further reflects FUNAAB’s efforts to develop sustainable agricultural solutions aimed at improving food security, animal health and responsible production practices.