Protective effect of Lonicera similis Hemsl leaves granules on the intestinal tract of heat-stressed broilers.

Abstract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Lonicera similis Hemsl leaves (LSHL), a widely distributed traditional Chinese herbal remedy, possesses anti-inflammatory properties. However, its regulatory role in mitigating heat stress-induced intestinal impairment in broilers remains inadequately elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study identified LSHL's active components, established a broiler heat stress model, and investigated its intestinal protective effects and mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analyzed LSHL's active components. Network pharmacology predicted mechanisms, and molecular docking verified key component-target interactions. In vivo experiments evaluated LSHL's effects via growth performance, immune organ indices, histopathology, antioxidant enzyme activities, inflammatory cytokine levels, and qPCR. RESULTS: LC-MS identified 42 active components (e.g., Alizarin, Caffeic Acid, Quinic Acid). Network pharmacology revealed 41 overlapping targets (core: ESR1, CASP3, MAPK10) and involvement of the MAPK signaling pathway. Molecular docking confirmed strong component-target binding. Dietary LSHL granules (1-3 g/kg) improved growth performance, alleviated intestinal villi damage, reduced oxidative stress (decreased MDA; increased GSH-Px, CAT), attenuated inflammation (decreased TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), upregulated immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA), and downregulated HSP70 and MAPK pathway-related proteins. CONCLUSIONS: LSHL exerts multi-component and multi-target protective effects on the intestinal tract of heat-stressed broilers. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for the application of LSHL as a natural anti-heat stress feed additive.