ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE September 2025 39 This concept of integrated intelligence is central to our approach. It recognizes that animals and plants have co-evolved for millions of years, developing biochemical communication channels that allow animals to interpret and respond to plant-derived signals. These signals can influence immune function, metabolism, and stress responses — often in ways that are subtle, multifactorial, and not yet fully understood. WHAT ARE PHYTOCOMPLEXES? PhytoComplexes can be defined as complex mixtures of bioactive compounds derived from plants. Unlike single-compound synthetics, which isolate one active ingredient (e.g., thymol or carvacrol), PhytoComplexes retain the full spectrum of metabolites found in the plant. Early efforts to use botanicals in feed focused narrowly on replacing antimicrobials. This led to a pharmaceutical approach that stripped plants of their complexity. But animals don’t respond to molecules in isolation. They respond to constellations of compounds that interact with their physiology in multifaceted ways. Take oregano essential oil, for instance. While carvacrol is often highlighted as its key active compound, the oil actually contains dozens of other bioactive molecules that contribute to its overall efficacy. Similarly, artemisinin — used in malaria treatment — demonstrates significantly higher bioavailability when administered as part of the whole plant material compared to its synthetic, isolated form. These examples underscore a fundamental principle in phytotechnology: the power of the plant lies in its complexity. This is why Trouw Nutrition focuses on preserving the full phytochemical profile — whether through whole plant powders, full-spectrum extracts, or carefully formulated blends. A PhytoComplex is never just a single compound; it is a symphony of metabolites, each playing a distinct role in the biological response. Like an orchestra, the effectiveness depends not on the volume of a single instrument, but on the harmony and balance among all parts. Disrupting this balance by isolating one molecule risks losing the nuanced interplay that drives physiological impact. Respecting this natural equilibrium is key to harnessing the full potential of phytotechnology for animal nutrition. MODE OF ACTION: SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION PATHWAYS The key to understanding PhytoComplexes lies in their true mode of action. Rather than killing pathogens directly, these compounds interact with receptors on the intestinal lining, triggering, blocking, or modulating signal transduction pathways that influence immune function, gut integrity, and metabolic processes. These host-mediated mechanisms allow us to support the animal’s natural defenses. For instance, acPhoto: Courtesy of Trouw Nutrition
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