Prevention of ND Using Herbal Adjuvanted Vaccines

Newcastle Disease (ND) is caused by the avian paramyxovirus serotype 1 (APMV-1) that still poses a threat to the health and production of poultry, particularly in areas with low biosecurity and high poultry densities. High transmission, economic cost, and genetic diversity of the virus question the traditional mode of control mechanisms, such as vaccination. To prevent infection, the current vaccines used, live attenuated and inactivated, are significantly compromised due to erratic storage, cross-interference of maternal antibodies, and genetic non-alignment of the circulating strains. New studies underline the possibilities that phytochemicals, as active compounds of medicinal plants, can be active immune-stimulants and vaccine adjuvants to ensure better vaccine efficiency. Ocimum sanctum, Curcuma longa, Allium sativum, and Tinospora cordifolia herbs have demonstrated substantial antiviral, antioxidant, and immune-enhancing medicinal attributes, to produce more antibody titres, enhanced cell-mediated immunity, and decreased viral replication. These herbs provide their action by activating innate and adaptive immunity, fighting free radicals, and modulating cytokines. Enhanced bioavailability and targeted delivery through nano-encapsulation, chitosan nanoparticles, and liposomes solve, problems of stability and absorption by enhancing the bioavailability and targeted delivery of the phytochemicals. When administered via water or as vaccine adjuvants, these phytochemicals provide a sustainable, natural, and economical advantage of prevention of ND, especially for small-scale poultry farmers operating in low-resource sectors. Nevertheless, the inconsistency of plant bioactive contents, challenges in standardization and regulatory hurdles hinder their widespread adoption. Phytotherapy, together with enhanced vaccination and biosecurity, is a synergistic solution in controlling ND. It is also recommended in future studies to streamline the phytochemical formulations and delivery systems as they relate to organic poultry production objectives in terms of effectiveness and safety with respect to the global poultry industry.

To Cite This Article: Alajaji AI and Almuzaini AM, 2025. Prevention of ND using herbal adjuvanted vaccines. Pak Vet J, 45(3): 1009-1019. http://dx.doi.org/10.29261/pakvetj/2025.265