Ethanolic chicory leaf extract enhances hematological profile, gut microbiota, and intestinal morphology in rabbits

Prebiotics contribute substantially to livestock physiology by promoting health equilibrium. Chicory leaves have been a subject of research as a natural prebiotic and exhibit various phytoconstituents that act as nutraceutical agents. However, the in vivo efficacy of ethanolic leaf extract remains under-researched.

This study aimed to examine the impact of ethanolic chicory leaf extract (CLE) on the blood profile, intestinal microbial species, and histology of male rabbits.

To prepare the leaf extract, ethanol was used as the solvent and was extracted using a rotatory evaporator. Forty-eight rabbits were divided into 4 groups (12/group). G₀ was kept as the control, while the other groups G₁, G₂, and G₃ were given doses of 1, 2, and 3 ml/kg Body weight of CLE, respectively, on a daily basis for 45 days. On 15th, 30th, and 45th day samples (n = 4 per group) were collected to assess hematological parameters via complete blood count, Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus colonies through plate count agar, and intestinal tissue histology by microtomy.

One-way Analysis of variance indicated a dose-dependent impact of CLE on the research parameters as the greatest improvements were observed in the highest-dose group (G₃), followed by the medium (G₂) and low (G₁) dose groups compared to the control group. There was improvement in all blood parameters (p ≤ 0.05), whereas there was a reduction of E. coli and an increment of Lactobacillus population (p ≤ 0.05) in the ileum and cecum. Histological examination showed an increase in villus length and crypt depth, along with a decrease in villus width (p ˂ 0.05).

Administration of CLE to rabbits acts as a microbiota-modulatory agent that boosts gut health and structure while maintaining the blood profile. Hence, it can be used as a natural tonic for livestock to promote bio-functionalities and can be a potential alternative to synthetic prebiotics.