# In Vitro Three-Step Technique Assessment of a Microencapsulated Phytosynbiotic from Yanang (Tiliacora triandra) Leaf Extract Fermented with P. acidilactici V202 on Nutrient Digestibility, Cecal Fermentation, and Microbial Communities of Broilers

## TL;DR

This study shows that a microencapsulated phytosynbiotic from Yanang leaf extract improves broiler gut health and nutrient digestion in a lab setting.

## Contribution

The novel microencapsulated phytosynbiotic (YEP) is shown to enhance gut health and nutrient utilization in broilers through in vitro testing.

## Key findings

- YEP improved dry matter and gross energy digestibility in broilers.
- YEP enhanced cecal fermentation by increasing gas, lactic acid, and volatile fatty acid production.
- YEP shifted the gut microbiota toward a healthier profile with increased Lactobacillaceae.

## Abstract

This study evaluated a novel microencapsulated phytosynbiotic from Yanang (Tiliacora triandra) leaf extract fermented with Pediococcus acidilactici V202 on broiler nutrient digestibility, gut fermentation, and microbial community using an adapted in vitro model. YEP supplementation improved dry matter and gross energy digestibility, supported the viability and proliferation of beneficial ileal bacteria, and enhanced cecal fermentation by increasing gas, lactic acid, and volatile fatty acid production. Microbial profiling revealed a shift toward higher Lactobacillaceae abundance and improved balance relative to Enterobacteriaceae. These findings demonstrate YEP’s potential as a sustainable synbiotic feed additive that promotes gut health and nutrient utilization in poultry, offering an effective antibiotic alternative to enhance broiler productivity and welfare.

The poultry industry requires sustainable strategies to improve gut health and nutrient utilization while reducing antibiotic use. This study assessed the effects of dietary supplementation with a microencapsulated phytosynbiotic from Yanang (Tiliacora triandra) leaf extract fermented with Pediococcus acidilactici V202 (YEP) on broiler ileal digestibility, microbial viability, and cecal fermentation using an in vitro gastrointestinal simulation model. Six YEP inclusion levels (0–2.5%) were tested. Results revealed significant improvements in ileal dry matter and gross energy digestibility and enhanced survival and proliferation of beneficial lactic acid bacteria in the ileum. Increased gas production, lactic acid, and volatile fatty acid concentrations, including acetate, propionate, and butyrate, indicated that cecal fermentation was enhanced in a dose-dependent manner. Moderate YEP levels optimized fermentation speed and butyrate synthesis, while higher levels enhanced total gas and acetate production. YEP also shifted the cecal microbiota toward a healthier profile, enhancing Lactobacillaceae counts and the Lactobacillaceae-to-Enterobacteriaceae ratio. Overall, protective microencapsulation, synergistic phytochemical interactions, and balanced nutrient supply had positive effects at the gut level. Thus, the data highlight YEP as a promising synbiotic feed additive that can enhance nutrient utilization, microbial balance, and gut health in broilers, warranting future in vivo validation.