The efficacy of Nigella sativa as an ameliorative medicinal plant with anticancer and antioxidant effects has drawn the attention of many researchers. The aim of this study was to examine the potential protective effect of Nigella sativa against aflatoxin-induced liver damage in chicken. A total of 40 broiler chickens were randomly divided into four groups (G1-G4). Chicks in G1 were fed on normal ration, G2 were fed on ration supplemented with 0.3 mg AFB1/kg feed, G3 were fed on ration supplemented with 1% Nigella sativa. Finally, birds in G4 were fed on a ration supplemented with 0.3 mg AFB1/kg and 1% Nigella sativa. Birds were sacrificed at the end of the experimental period (four weeks); the serum and liver were harvested for biochemical, histological and gene expression analyses. Our results showed that Nigella sativa alleviates the toxic effects of Aflatoxins by antagonizing lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress and apoptosis by modulating the expression of antiapoptotic BCL-2 and pro-apoptotic BAX. Moreover, Nigella sativa exhibited anti-inflammatory effect as evidenced by restoring proinflammatory cytokines levels. Nigella sativa can be used as a feed additive to poultry diets to alleviate any potential aflatoxin toxicity from contaminated diets.
Key words: Aflatoxins; Broilers; Nigella sativa; Liver damage; Apoptosis
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