Immunological and Biochemical Evaluation of Aqueous Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Extracts in Stimulating Immune System Efficiency of Heat-Stressed Rabbits
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65420/sjphrt.v2i2.181Keywords:
Rosmarinus officinalis; heat stress; immunomodulation; rabbits; antioxidant enzymes; aqueous extract; lymphocyte proliferationAbstract
Heat stress represents one of the most significant environmental challenges affecting rabbit production, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where elevated ambient temperatures compromise both productive performance and immune competence. This study aimed to evaluate the immunological and biochemical effects of aqueous rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) extracts in stimulating immune system efficiency of heat-stressed rabbits. Rosemary is an aromatic plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, rich in bioactive phenolic compounds including rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and carnosol, which possess documented antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. A comprehensive literature review was conducted analyzing the available evidence regarding rosemary supplementation in rabbit nutrition under thermal stress conditions. The collected data from multiple controlled experimental studies demonstrate that dietary rosemary supplementation at concentrations ranging from 0.2% to 3% significantly ameliorates heat stress-induced immunosuppression. Key findings indicate that rosemary extracts enhance lymphocyte proliferation responses, modulate pro-inflammatory cytokine production including nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species, augment serum globulin concentrations, and improve antioxidant enzyme activities including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. The aqueous extraction method preserves the hydrophilic phenolic constituents that are responsible for the observed immunostimulatory effects. The findings consistently demonstrate that rosemary administration mitigates oxidative stress markers, reduces lipid peroxidation, and modulates the production of inflammatory mediators in heat-stressed rabbits. The biochemical analyses reveal that rosemary supplementation restores serum protein profiles, enhances globulin fractions essential for immunoglobulin synthesis, and elevates antioxidant enzyme activities in circulation. Furthermore, the aqueous extract exhibits concentration-dependent immunomodulatory effects, with low to moderate doses exerting anti-inflammatory actions while maintaining appropriate immune surveillance. The immunological evaluation shows enhanced adaptive immune responses, particularly B-cell reactivity and immunoglobulin production. The collective evidence supports the integration of aqueous rosemary extracts as natural immunomodulatory feed additives for rabbits reared under heat stress conditions, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic immunostimulants and antibiotic growth promoters.
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