Effects of garlic (Allium sativum L.) feed additive on experimentally-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in commercial chickens

Intoxication, as well as, infectious and metabolic diseases resulting in liver and kidney damage are major causes of losses in poultry species. While there are no specific drugs for the reversal of pathophysiology of the liver and kidney, certain herbs, such as garlic, have been shown to improve liveability of livestock and poultry [1], [2]. Its probable potential at enhancing the functionality of these organs in the face of injuries/insults by intoxication was investigated Chicken subgroup supplemented with 0.25% garlic-meal and administered 300mg/kg acetaminophen at 8 week-old (G1) and subgroup without acetaminophen (G2), those not supplemented and without acetaminophen (NG2) and those not initially supplemented but administered acetaminophen and later supplemented (NG1g) had higher Newcastle disease vaccinal antibody titers (8.0±0.25, 7.5±0.24, 7.6±0.23, 8.14±0.31, respectively) in comparison with the subgroup without supplementation and administered acetaminophen (NGI - 7.13±0.38). Serum protein levels had a similar pattern. AST levels (U/L) were significantly higher (p<0.05) in acetaminophen subgroups G1 (79.4±5.79) and NG1 (83.7±7.5) than their respective controls G2 (75.1±7.85) and NG2 (65.2±6.84) with no corresponding increase in CK levels. At 2, 7 and 14 days post-administration of acetaminophen (paa), creatinine (mg/dl) was significantly higher in G1 (1.44±0.01, 1.42±0.01, 1.44±0.02) and NG1 (1.47±0.01, 1.51±0.01, 1.47±0.01) than in G2 (1.16±0.05, 1.23±0.01, 1.26±0.06) and NG2 (1.31±0.06, 1.29±0.02, 1.31±0.05). A similar pattern was observed at 21 days paa. Clinical signs and pathological lesions associated with toxic dose of acetaminophen in liver and kidneys were reversed. Thus exhibiting the potential of garlic in protection against hepatorenal damage or injury

• References

• 1 Oladele OA, Emikpe BO, Hauwa B. Effects of dietary garlic (Allium sativum) supplementation on body weight and gut morphometry of commercial broilers. Int J Morphol 2012; 30 (01) : 238-240.
• 2 Tollba AAH, Hassan MSH. Using some natural additives to improve physiological and productive performance of broiler chicks under high temperature conditions 2- black cumin (Nigella Sativa) or garlic (Allium sativum). Poult Sci 2003; 23: 327-340.