Mansoura Veterinary Medical Journal

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm)on paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in broiler chickens

Ghada A. Abou Zead, Animal Health Research Institute, Department of Biochemistry, Mansoura, EgyptFollow
Sara T. Elazab, Mansoura University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Mansoura, Egypt
Azza E. Hassan, Animal Health Research Institute, Department of Biochemistry, Mansoura, Egypt
Ahmed I. Ateya, Mansoura University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Development of Animal Wealth, Mansoura, Egypt
Magdy S. Amer, Mansoura University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Mansoura, Egypt

Document Type

Original Article

Keywords

broilers; paracetamol; M officinalis; hepatotoxicity; oxidative stress

Abstract

background : This study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of Melissa officinalis (M officinalis) against paracetamol N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity in broiler chickens. METHODS: A total of 48 one-day-old cobb healthy chicks were divided into four groups of (12 chicks). The control group received a basal diet for 21 days, while the APAP group received APAP at 2 g/kg body weight daily from the 15th day onwards and until the termination of the experiment; M officinalis + APAP group was offered a 10 g/kg diet for 2 weeks followed by APAP for one week; and the APAP + M officinalis group received APAP for one week followed by M officinalis for 2 weeks. Hematological and biochemical determination of oxidative stress biomarkers gene expression analysis. In addition, histopathological examination of the liver specimens was performed. RESULTS: Supplementation of Lemon balm in the feed of broilers intoxicated with APAP significantly elevated the levels of hematological parameters such as RBCs (red blood cells)count, (Hb hemoglobin) content, HCT (hematocrit) %, WBCs (white blood cells), lymphocyte %, monocyte %), total protein, and albumin, and reduced the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), compared to the APAP group. Furthermore, Lemon balm decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content and raised GSH glutathione (GSH) levels and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and CAT (catalase). Moreover, a remarkable decrease in the mRNA expression of lL-1β (interleukin) and TLR4 (Toll-like receptor-4) with an increase in SOD and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) was recorded in hepatic tissues of M officinalis + APAP and APAP + M officinalis. CONCLUSION Administration of M officinalis leaves offers hepatic protection against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in broilers

How to Cite This Article

Zead, Ghada A. Abou; Elazab, Sara T.; Hassan, Azza E.; Ateya, Ahmed I.; and Amer, Magdy S. (2024) "The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm)on paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in broiler chickens," Mansoura Veterinary Medical Journal: Vol. 25: Iss. 1, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35943/2682-2512.1232