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Effects of Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) Essential Oils on Blood Biochemical Parameters and Antioxidant Capacity in Commercial Laying Hens
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Hamed Jafarzadeh *   , Mohammadreza Sheikhlou , Rashid Safari |
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Abstract: (321 Views) |
Introduction: The essential oils of yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) contain bioactive compounds such as monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory properties. Given the restrictions on using antibiotic growth promoters in poultry, this study aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of yarrow and pennyroyal essential oils on serum biochemical parameters including total protein, albumin, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), glucose, and uric acid in commercial laying hens.
Materials & Methods: In this completely randomized design experiment, 128 Hyline W-80 laying hens were divided into 8 treatment groups: 1) Basal diet (negative control) 2) Basal diet + 0.125 mL emulsifier (positive control), 3) Basal diet supplemented with 50 mg/kg yarrow essential oil, 4) Basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg yarrow essential oil, 5) Basal diet supplemented with 150 mg/kg yarrow essential oil, 6) Basal diet supplemented with 50 mg/kg pennyroyal essential oil, 7) Basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg pennyroyal essential oil, 8) Basal diet supplemented with 150 mg/kg pennyroyal essential oil. After 6 weeks of feeding, 8 blood samples were collected from each group and biochemical parameters were measured using commercial kits. Data were analyzed using SPSS software with ANOVA.
Results: The highest levels of total protein and albumin were observed in the 150 mg/kg yarrow and 150 mg/kg pennyroyal groups (P>0.05). The maximum TAC was recorded in the 100 mg/kg pennyroyal group, indicating enhanced antioxidant defense. The lowest MDA and uric acid levels were found in the control and positive control groups (P>0.05). Blood glucose showed an insignificant increase in most essential oil-treated groups (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Findings suggest that yarrow and pennyroyal essential oils at 100 and150 mg/kg can serve as natural alternatives to antibiotics in layer diets by improving biochemical parameters and reducing oxidative stress. These compounds may enhance protein metabolism and antioxidant defense, potentially improving the quality of organic poultry products. Future studies should focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. |
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| Keywords: Achillea millefolium, Biochemical indices, Essential oil, Layers, Mentha pulegium |
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Full-Text [PDF 714 kb]
(88 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2026/06/5 | Accepted: 2026/05/31 | Published: 2026/09/7
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