prevention and mitigation of aflatoxin effects through the use of phytobiotics in poultry

Mycotoxins, particularly aflatoxins, represent one of the most critical challenges to feed safety in poultry production. aflatoxins, especially aflatoxin b1, can induce severe health problems even at low concentrations, including liver damage, increased oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and elevated mortality rates. moreover, the continuous consumption of feed contaminated with aflatoxins poses a residue risk for public health through animal-derived products. although traditional control methods such as physical, chemical, and biological detoxification strategies have been employed, their limited efficacy and potential side effects have necessitated the search for safer and more sustainable alternatives. in recent years, phytobiotics—encompassing plant extracts, essential oils, and pure phytochemicals—have emerged as promising alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters, owing to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antifungal properties in mitigating the detrimental effects of aflatoxicosis. phytobiotics can suppress enzymes involved in aflatoxin biosynthesis, neutralize free radicals to reduce oxidative damage, and support immune function. additionally, some components have been reported to directly inhibit aflatoxin formation. through these multifaceted mechanisms, phytobiotics not only limit the harmful impacts of aflatoxins on animals but also contribute to safeguarding feed safety. in conclusion, current scientific evidence demonstrates that phytobiotics provide a reliable, natural, and sustainable strategy for reducing aflatoxin-related risks in poultry production.