Evaluation of The Phytochemical Composition and Antimicrobial Properties of Centella Asiatica Leaf Meal Extract as a Feed Additive Candidate for Poultry.

The objective of this study was to assess the phytochemical composition of Centella asiatica leaf meal by analyzing the type of solvent utilised and the duration of the extraction process. Furthermore, the study evaluated the efficacy of Centella asiatica leaf meal extract as a prospective antibacterial agent when incorporated into poultry feed. The study was conducted in two phases. The initial phase of the study employed a fully randomised design featuring a 2×5 factorial design and three replications. Factor X denoted the solvent utilised, which included ordinary distilled water and distilled water subjected to heating at 100°C. Factor Y was defined as the duration of the extraction process, ranging from 15 to 75 minutes in 15-minute increments. In the second stage of the experiment, the in vitro antibacterial test was conducted using the most effective extract of Centella asiatica leaf meal, as determined in the first stage of the experiment. The parameters of the study encompassed the total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, total tannin content, total antioxidant activity, and the inhibition zone of Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. The findings revealed a highly significant interaction (p < 0.05) between the type of solvent and the duration of extraction on the total phenolic content, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity. However, the overall tannin concentration remained constant, irrespective of the extraction solvent or the duration of the extraction process. Furthermore, the Centella asiatica leaf meal extract, at a concentration of 100%, exhibited a greater inhibitory effect against Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. bacteria in comparison to other concentrations. Following a comprehensive review of the available literature, it was concluded that the most effective extraction method for producing phytochemical compounds from Centella asiatica leaf meal extract is that of heated distilled water solvent, with an extraction time of 75 minutes. In addition, Centella asiatica leaf meal extract has been identified as a promising antibacterial agent for use in poultry farming.