Effects of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) extract on antioxidant status in chicken thigh meat

Background: Artichoke extract (AE), containing natural antioxidant compounds, can be considered as a good source of antioxidant potential. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate antioxidant abilities of AE on broiler meat quality. METHODS: 200 Ross chicken broilers were divided into five equal groups and received 100, 200, 300, and 500 mg/liter of AE in drinking water and pure water in the control group, respectively. Antiradical activity and phenolic content of AE were determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method and gallic acid measurement before adding extract into drinking water. The broilers received AE extract form 21-35 day of growing phase and the samples from thigh muscles were taken for biochemical analysis in the 42 day of the growing phase. RESULTS: Antiradical activity of AE was 35% and phenolic content was 3.3 g/100g of dry extract. Regarding antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT), the AE with dosage of 200 mg/l indicated maximum antioxidant ability compared to the other groups (p