Antioxidative, Antihyperlipidemic, and Growth-Promoting Effects of Kelussia odoratissima in Meat-type Chickens

Abstract

Due to the presence of polyphenols and phthalides in <em>Kelussia odoratissima </em>Mozzaf (Umbelliferae; <em>K. odoratissima </em>hereafter), this medicinal plant might be a robust in-feed additive to modulate lipid peroxidation in meat-type chickens. The present study evaluates antioxidative, antihyperlipidemic, and growth-promoting effects of <em>K. odoratissima </em>in meat-type chickens. In a 37-day trial (5-42 days of age), a total of 240 broiler chicks (Ross 308 strain) were randomly assigned to four treatment groups. Treatments included 0, 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75% <em>K. odoratissima </em>in feed. Aerial parts of the plant was dried, ground and added to diet. Dietary inclusion of <em>K. odoratissima</em> significantly (<em>P) increased villus height and width and its absorptive surface area in different parts of small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) compared with the control group. Whole body growth significantly (<em>P) improved when <em>K. odoratissima</em> was included in diets at 0.75% (2375 <em>vs.</em> 2488 g). Broilers received <em>K. odoratissima </em>had significantly (<em>P) lower concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) compared to the control group. Superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene has been highly overexpressed (~ 24-fold) in the lung of broilers fed <em>K. odoratissima </em>at 0.75%. However, <em>K. odoratissima</em> significantly (<em>P=0.004</em>) suppressed (~ 8-fold) the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene in the lung of broilers when compared to the control. Feeding <em>K. odoratissima </em>at 0.75% caused a significant (<em>P) reductions in serum levels of triglycerides and cholesterol as well as reduction in abdominal fat deposition. In conclusion, <em>K. odoratissima</em> showed antioxidative, antihyperlipidemic, and growth-promoting effects in broiler chickens.</em></em></em></em>