effects of vernonia amygdalina extract on the modulation of liver antioxidant enzymes, cytokines, adipokines, dna biomarkers, and growth in aflatoxin b1-exposed broiler chickens

Aflatoxicosis has emerged as a notable factor that hampers the well-being and productivity of broilers in recent times. this study examined v. amygdalina leaf extract’s protective effects against aflatoxin b1-induced hepatoxicity and growth suppression in broiler chickens. 240 cobb500 day-old chicks were divided into 4 groups: cont (uncontaminated diet), aftb1 (0.5 ppm aflatoxin b1 contamination), ve1af (0.5 ppm aflatoxin b1 + 1 g v. amygdalina leaf powder/liter of water), and ve2af (0.5 ppm aflatoxin b1 + 2 g v. amygdalina leaf powder/liter of water) in a completely randomized design. liver catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase levels exhibited a marked reduction in the aftb1 group compared to cont and ve2af groups (p < 0.05). malondialdehyde levels, indicative of lipid peroxidation, were markedly increased in the aftb1 group compared to all other groups (p < 0.05). the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tnf-α, il-6, and ifn-γ) exhibited a marked increase in the aftb1 group compared to cont and ve2af groups (p < 0.05). additionally, anti-inflammatory cytokines, adipokines, and oxidative dna damage biomarkers varied significantly among treatment groups (p < 0.05). both 1 g and 2 g of v. amygdalina leaf powder per liter of water effectively countered the detrimental effects of aflatoxin b1 on liver health in broiler chickens.