Effects of Akebia and Dandelion on Growth Performance, Inflammation, and Gut Microbiota in Weaned Rabbits.

This study aimed to evaluate the individual and combined effects of dandelion extract and akebia extract on growth, inflammation, and gut microbiota in weaned rabbits. Using a two-factor randomized design, 120 rabbits (1.219 kg ± 0.077 kg, 35 days of age) were divided into four groups (10 replicates/group). Growth metrics (feed intake, fecal score, weight gain) and biological samples (blood, liver, jejunal/ileal mucosa, digesta) were analyzed over 28 days. Key results indicated that combined dandelion and akebia supplementation significantly increased daily weight gain during the first week (p < 0.05). Dandelion alone reduced liver Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and jejunal interleukin 6 (IL-6) (p < 0.05). Akebia supplementation decreased serum immunoglobulin A (IgA)/IL-6, liver interleukin 1β (IL-1β)/IL-6/IgG, and jejunal IL-1β/IL-6/IgG/IgA (p < 0.05). Gene expression revealed dandelion downregulated liver interferon-γ (IFN-γ)/interleukin 10 (IL-10) and jejunal IL-1β/interleukin 10 (TNF-α) (p < 0.05), while akebia suppressed hepatic C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 3 (CCL3)/C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 10 (CXCL10)/IFN-γ/IL-1β and mucosal IL-1β/IFN-γ (p < 0.05). A significant interaction effect (p < 0.05) between dandelion and akebia reduced ileal IL-6/IL-10/TNF-α and jejunal CXCL10/IL-10 mRNA expression. Akebia also increased cecal microbial diversity and the abundance of Oxalibacilli and Sutterella while reducing Firmicutes abundance (p < 0.05). In conclusion, both extracts modulated immunity and attenuated inflammatory responses through modulation of immunoglobulins, cytokines, and chemokines. Their combination demonstrated synergistic anti-inflammatory effects, alongside beneficial shifts in gut microbiota composition.