In a trial carried out at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University (FAFU,China) in 2017, a product based on cimenol ring was tested in piglets during the post-weaning period to promote the balance of the digestive microbiota.

Materials and methods

The trial consisted in 60 YxL 25-day-old pigs with similar parity and weight. Pigs were divided into 2 batches, 3 pens per batch, 10 pigs in each pen.

Batches:

• Control group: standard diet
• Cimenol group: standard diet + product based on cimenol ring during all the trial

Results

On day 60 of age, intestinal bacterial flora of a representative number of pigs from each batch was analyzed, and the following results were obtained: 

In the group with cimenol ring there is a decrease in E. coli UFC, but an increase in Lactobacillus UFC.

Conclusion

Cimenol ring is a molecule with broad-spectrum bactericidal and fungicidal activities selective for potentially pathogenic bacteria (such as E. coli) that does not affect other beneficial microorganisms (such as Lactobacillus) in pigs’ digestive tract. Therefore, this molecule promotes the balance of the digestive flora.

This selectivity results from the synergy between cimenol ring and citric acid: pathogenic microorganisms have acid receptors on their surface that, in contact with citric acid, are destroyed and form pores in the cellular membrane. Cimenol ring enters through these pores and, once inside the cell, causes the destruction of the cellular membrane, leading to cell’s death.

In fungi, cimenol ring also blocks ergosterol synthesis (main component of the cellular membrane).

This product based on cimenol ring is available in the market under the name “Alquermold Natural”.