Pharmacological effects of humic substances concerning animal health

摘要

The aim of this work is to summarize some pharmacological effects of specific humic substances on the immune system and liver protection in mice and in some in vitro models. The results obtained in various complementary studies clearly show the beneficial action of natural and modified humic substances in animal health by enhancing immune responses against different types of injuries. These effects seem to be related to some structural domains present in HS structure, mainly the presence of oxygen alkyl-related groups in aliphatic chains. The results also show that HS act on the immune system in a synergetic way with a well-known immune-modulator such as β1-3 glucan. Humic substances applied with or without glucans, showed strong liver protection ability. This pharmacological property of HS might have very relevant application potentialities in high-productive animal farming.