Campylobacter , a bacterium commonly found in the chicken gut, is the leading cause of bacterial foodborne gastroenteritis globally. Despite various interventions aimed at controlling Campylobacter in the food chain, such as enhanced biosecurity measures, improved hygiene practices and farm-level controls, reducing its prevalence remains a significant challenge. While the European Union’s (EU) 2006 ban on antimicrobials as growth promoters was primarily intended to control antimicrobial resistance, its impact on Campylobacter load has been limited. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter has created a requirement to develop alternative methods to improve food safety, enhance performance and mitigate pathogenic bacteria. This study explored the potential of Maranta arundinacea (arrowroot) extract as a prospective dietary supplement for both humans and chickens. The investigation focused on its safety, its ability to reduce Campylobacter in T84 intestinal epithelial cells and its anti-inflammatory properties. Results showed that 4% and 25% concentrations of arrowroot extract were non-cytotoxic to human T84 cells and significantly reduced bacterial growth in Campylobacter jejuni strains. Additionally, the extract inhibited the growth of Campylobacter coli strains and Escherichia coli , with statistical significance observed against E. coli at the 25% concentration. These results suggest that arrowroot extract could be a promising natural alternative for addressing antibiotic resistance and enhancing food safety.
Star-Shirko et al. (2026) studied this question.