Abstract
Punica Grantum L is an ancient, magical and distinctive fruit. It is local to
the Mediterranean basin and has been broadly utilized in traditional pharmaceuticals in
numerous nations. The extracts collected from various parts (peels, seeds, juice and
flowers) of this natural fruit can be used as multiple additives for practice because of its
polyphenolic contents. Polyphenols found in P. Grantum have been shown to have various pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant,
antimicrobial, anti-diarrheal, immunomodulatory, anti-carcinogenic, and wound
healing promotors. Moreover, they are reported to have anti-cestodial, anti-nematodal
and anti-protozoan activities. P. Grantum L or its by-products supplementation can
play a major role in poultry nutrition by enhancing immunity, scavenging free radicals,
and inhibiting antimicrobial activity, leading to improved poultry performance. Owing
to its functions above, it can be a potential substitute for modulating immune functions
and gut microbiota to relieve diarrhea and enteritis, preventing colibacillosis and
coccidiosis in chickens. Moreover, it is reported that polyphenols and tannins of P.
Grantum act as an antioxidant by scavenging reactive oxygen species and preventing
lipid oxidation and inflammatory molecule production. This chapter highlights the
work done in the recent past on P. Grantum. Despite the voluminous pharmacological
properties of P. Grantum, its usage in the chicken ration is limited. So, this chapter
aims to broaden the information of researchers, veterinary advisors, and poultry
nutritionists to recommend P. Grantum as a safe, natural added substance in poultry
feed to substitute the synthetic additives for nourishment purposes.
Keywords: Chicken, Growth performance, Immunity, Punica granatum L. by-products