Head of Group:

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Jörg R. Aschenbach
Oertzenweg 19b, Hs. 11
14163 Berlin
Tel. +49 30 838 62600
eMail: joerg.aschenbach@fu-berlin.de

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Following the ban of antibiotics as growth promotors in 2006 in the EU, phytogenic substances have gained interest as potential modulators of inflammatory processes and oxidative stress. Concerns among consumers because of antiobitic residues and growing numbers of resistant bacteria have lead to an ongoing research for alternatives, such as phytogenic substances, during the last decade. Phytogenic substances are known to have antimicrobial activity and provide antioxidative and antiinflammatory effects, enhance palatability, improve gut functions and homeostasis and promote growth.

Our main goal is to screen for possible targets using cell culture models and Ussing chamber experiments to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and effects of phytogenic feed additives, and their most effective target locations within the digestive tract, in livestock diseases. Our group focuses on cytokine and protein expression analyses via quantitative RT-PCR and Western Blots / ELISA, immunohistochemistry and other molecular biological methods.

To gain a greater understanding of all aspects regarding the effects of phytogenic substances in livestock, we closely collaborate with the groups focusing on 'Magnesium Transport' and 'Metabolism of High-Yielding Dairy cows'.