FUNAAB Study Finds African Plant May Help Fight Salmonella in Poultry

News in Brief:

— A FUNAAB researcher has found that African Parquetina shows potential against Salmonella in poultry. — More research is needed to confirm its safety, dosage and commercial use.

A researcher at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has presented African Parquetina (Parquetina nigrescens) as an antibiotic alternative in poultry farming.

The perennial climbing plant is native to tropical Africa and used as a traditional herb with local names such as Ewe ogbo (Yoruba), Mgbidim gbe or Otonta (Igbo), and Kwankwanin (Hausa).

Dr Wuraola Adegun presented the research, titled “Does African Parquetina (Parquetina nigrescens) possess Haematopoietic and Antimicrobial Properties on Salmonella Typhimurium-Challenged Broiler Chickens?”, at the Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR) Laboratory on October 6, 2026.

Dr Adegun said her research was prompted by the prevalence of Salmonella infections, which lead to high mortality in young chicks and sickness in humans who consume infected adult birds. She added that the increasing economic strain on farmers, caused by antibiotic residues in poultry products, further compelled the exercise.

African Parquetina Shows Promise Against Salmonella 

The study observed the plant extract’s antimicrobial activity in 320 broiler chicks. It found that it inhibited Salmonella Typhimurium in vitro (outside the bird’s body). It became more effective at higher extract concentrations. 

Parquetina nigrescens in poultry is not a novel concept. Studies show that supplementing it with drinking water protects birds against the harmful effects of aflatoxin exposure. It also supports body weight gains and better feed conversion without damaging poultry carcass quality.

However, this new research directly argues for its use as a less expensive alternative to treat bacterial infections. It also notes that its effectiveness depends on the route and frequency of administration. 

Adegun calls for additional studies to determine safety, dosage and application before it is ready for public and commercial use.

Meanwhile, Prof. Kazeem Bello, the Director of IFSERAR, challenged the researchers to further the work and develop feed products from the extract for farmers. He also urged small-ruminant researchers to collaborate with Dr Adegun for possible use on sheep and goats.

Bello used the opportunity to remind researchers of the institution’s open call for proposals that covers multidisciplinary research projects.