We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Curcumin Mitigates Microplastic-Induced Damage in Livestock and Poultry: Mechanistic Insights and Strategies for Sustainable Farming
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how curcumin, a natural compound from turmeric, can protect livestock and poultry from microplastic-induced damage. The research shows that curcumin activates antioxidant defenses and reduces inflammation caused by microplastic exposure in animals, suggesting that natural dietary supplements may offer a strategy for mitigating some health effects of plastic contamination.
The pervasive contamination of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) in livestock and poultry production systems represent a critical threat to animal health, productivity, and food safety. This review systematically evaluates the potential of curcumin, a natural polyphenol from Curcuma longa, to mitigate MNP-induced toxicity, drawing on evidence from 25 preclinical studies (2014-September 2025). We highlight that curcumin exerts broad-spectrum, dose-dependent protection primarily through a dual mechanism: the preventive activation of the Nrf2/ARE antioxidant pathway and the therapeutic suppression of NF-κB-driven inflammation. These actions collectively ameliorate oxidative stress, restore metabolic homeostasis (e.g., via the gut-liver axis), and reverse histopathological damage across key organs, including the liver, kidneys, and reproductive tissues. A major translational insight is the significant species-specific variation in curcumin bioavailability, which is substantially higher in poultry than in ruminants, necessitating the development of tailored delivery systems such as nanoencapsulation. While the preclinical data are compelling, translating these findings into practice requires robust clinical trials to establish standardized, safe, and effective dosing regimens for food-producing animals. This review concludes that curcumin presents a promising, sustainable phytogenic strategy to enhance the resilience of livestock and poultry systems against MNP pollution, directly contributing to the One Health goals of safeguarding animal welfare, food security, and environmental sustainability.
More Papers Like This
Protective effect of curcumin against microplastic and nanoplastics toxicity
AI summary Read the abstract
This review gathers preclinical studies that tested curcumin, the main active compound in turmeric, against the toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics. In all but one of the studies reviewed, curcumin returned oxidative and tissue damage measures to normal. The evidence is from cells and animals.
Curcumin Ameliorates Microplastic-Induced Testicular Inflammatory Damage by Suppressing NLRP3 and WNT/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway Activation
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed rodents to microplastics and found the particles triggered two inflammation pathways — NLRP3 inflammasome and WNT/beta-catenin signaling — that together damaged testicular tissue and disrupted sperm-supporting cells. Treatment with curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, suppressed both pathways and largely restored normal function, pointing toward potential natural interventions for microplastic-related reproductive harm.
Harmful impacts of microplastic pollution on poultry and biodegradation techniques using microorganisms for consumer health protection: A review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how microplastic pollution affects poultry health and food safety, finding that microplastics have been detected in chicken meat from supermarkets and open markets. Evidence indicates that microplastics can damage vital organs in poultry, reduce egg production, and accumulate in edible tissues. The authors also review biodegradation techniques using microorganisms as a potential strategy for reducing microplastic contamination in the food supply.
Antioxidant Intervention Against Microplastic Hazards
AI summary Read the abstract
This review looks at antioxidants such as vitamin C, curcumin and quercetin in the context of microplastic exposure. Microplastics can trigger oxidative stress in cells, and antioxidants brought down stress markers and inflammation in the studies reviewed. Poor absorption, variation between individuals and unknown long-term safety stand in the way of practical use.
Effects of Microplastics on Animal Health and Nutrition
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes the current understanding of how microplastic ingestion affects animal health across multiple species including livestock, poultry, and aquatic organisms. Researchers found that microplastics can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and disruption of gut function in animals, with smaller particles posing greater risks due to their ability to cross biological barriers. The study suggests that microplastic contamination in feed and water sources is an emerging concern for animal agriculture and nutrition.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.