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BACKGROUND We previously prepared a microencapsulated complex of thymol, carvacrol, and cinnamaldehyde (MEEOs). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of MEEOs on the intestinal mucosal barrier and homeostasis in weaning piglets. A comparison of the effect of MEEOs versus chlortetracycline (CTC) was performed in this study. RESULTS Piglets were divided into three groups (Con, MEEO, and CTC groups) and raised for 28 days. The results showed that MEEOs significantly elevated the ratio of villus height and crypt depth in the jejunum and decreased the crypt depth in the ileum compared with the other groups (P < 0.05); it also upregulated the mRNA expressions of tight junction protein in the small intestine. Compared with the Con group, MEEOs increased the concentrations of sIgA, cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides (CAMP), and IL-10, while decreasing IL-1β concentration in both jejunal and ileal mucosa (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of jejunal mucosal MUC1 and ileal mucosal MUC2 was increased in the MEEO group compared with the other groups (P < 0.05). Intestinal microbial analysis showed that dietary treatment had little impact on the ileal microbial structure. But a significant rise in the genus Lactobacillus was found in the MEEO group. There is a positive correlation between the Lactobacillus and sIgA, and between the Lactobacillus and CAMP, indicating the improvement of mucosal barrier function by MEEOs addition may be associated with the proliferation of Lactobacillus. CONCLUSION Dietary supplementation with MEEOs improves intestinal barrier function in weaning piglets, the effect of which was superior to chlortetracycline. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.