Evaluation of Portulaca oleracea (Purslane) extract as a natural anticoccidial agent in japanese quails: Effects on growth performance, immune response, and gut health.

The use of synthetic anticoccidial agents in poultry production has raised concerns regarding drug resistance and tissue residues, prompting the search for natural alternatives. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of dietary Portulaca oleracea (purslane) extract against coccidiosis in Japanese quails compared to Amprolium (100 µg/mL) treatment as an anticoccidial drug. A total of 300 one-day-old quails were allocated into six groups: T1 (control), T2 (Eimeria-infected, untreated), T3 (uninfected+Amprolium), T4 (uninfected+purslane 400 µg/mL), T5 (Eimeria-infected+purslane 400 µg/mL), and T6 (Eimeria-infected+Amprolium). At 14 days old, infected groups were challenged with mixed Eimeria spp. oocysts. Results showed that infection (T2) significantly (P < 0.05) depressed growth performance (final weight: 145.2 g; FCR: 2.31; survival: 82%) compared with controls (182.5 g; FCR: 1.89; survival: 100%). Both treatments improved these parameters, with purslane (T5) achieving superior growth (179.8 g; FCR: 1.88; survival: 96%) compared to Amprolium (T6: 172.8 g; FCR: 1.96; survival: 92%). Infection compromised hematology (PCV: 24.5%; Hb: 8.1 g/dL), with better restoration in T5 (PCV: 33.9%; Hb: 11.6 g/dL) than T6 (30.8%; 10.5 g/dL). The stress indicator H/L ratio was elevated in T2 (0.90) and reduced by both treatments (T5: 0.53; T6: 0.54). Purslane extract showed superior hepatoprotective and lipid-modulating effects, with lower ALT, AST, and cholesterol levels than those observed with Amprolium treatment. Crucially, T5 upregulated MUC2 (1.65-fold) and β-defensin (2.20-fold) expression. In vitro assays confirmed potent antioxidant activity (86.7% DPPH scavenging) and moderate direct anticoccidial effects (73.6% inhibition of sporulation). Parasitologically, the Amprolium achieved higher oocyst reduction (84.2% vs. 60.6%), yet both treatments yielded excellent anticoccidial indices (T5: 185; T6: 170). Histopathological studies confirmed marked preservation of villi in both treated groups. In conclusion, a 400 µg/mL dose of purslane extract effectively alleviated coccidiosis through direct anticoccidial activity, antioxidant effects, immunomodulation, and gut barrier fortification, offering a promising natural alternative for sustainable poultry production.