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

Due to the presence of polyphenols and phthalides in Kelussia odoratissima Mozzaf (Umbelliferae; K. odoratissima 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 K. odoratissima 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% K. odoratissima in feed. Aerial parts of the plant was dried, ground and added to diet. Dietary inclusion of K. odoratissima significantly (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 (P) improved when K. odoratissima was included in diets at 0.75% (2375 vs. 2488 g). Broilers received K. odoratissima had significantly (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 K. odoratissima at 0.75%. However, K. odoratissima significantly (P=0.004) suppressed (~ 8-fold) the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene in the lung of broilers when compared to the control. Feeding K. odoratissima at 0.75% caused a significant (P) reductions in serum levels of triglycerides and cholesterol as well as reduction in abdominal fat deposition. In conclusion, K. odoratissima showed antioxidative, antihyperlipidemic, and growth-promoting effects in broiler chickens.