Ameliorative and protective effects of a mixture of Aframomum melegueta, Syzygium aromaticum, AND Xylopia aethiopica on aflatoxicosis in broiler chicken

Abstract

Spices have been used since time immemorial for various purposes. This study investigated the biochemical and histological effect of a  mixture of three spices (Aframomum melegueta, Syzygium aromaticum, and Xylopia aethiopica) commonly employed for various  therapeutic activities on biochemical and histological derangements brought about by feeding broiler chickens with aflatoxin- contaminated diet. Twenty-five 6-week-old chickens were randomly placed in five groups containing five birds each. Birds in Groups I, II,  and III were the normal, negative, and positive controls while groups IV and V were treated groups. The Chickens were sacrificed on the th 29 day. Tissues and organs were excised for biochemical and histological analyses. The results showed that consumption of an  Aflatoxin B1-contaminated diet resulted in decrease in the concentrations and activities of bilirubin, creatinine, uric acid, plasma ALT and  AST, SOD, GPx, CAT, TC, TAG, VLDL, and LDL and decrease of liver ALT and AST, kidney ALP and GSH in the tissues and organs with respect  to the control group. Histological analyses of the liver and kidney showed that Aflatoxin B1 caused architectural disruptions in  the organs and tissues. However, all the metabolic derangements as well as structural alterations in livers and kidneys were ameliorated/ restored in both pre-treated and post-treated groups without causing any apparent distress to the birds. It is suggested that the inclusion  of these spices in the diet of chickens has the potential for the prevention and management of aflatoxicosis.