Influence of an aqueous extract of Ligustrum lucidum and an ethanol extract of Schisandra chinensis on parameters of antioxidative metabolism and spleen lymphocyte proliferation of broilers

Arch Anim Nutr. 2009 Feb;63(1):66-74. doi: 10.1080/17450390802611578.

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with different levels of two extracts, an aqueous extract of Ligustrum lucidum (AELL), and an ethanol extract of Schisandra chinensis (EESC) on growth performance, parameters of antioxidative status and spleen lymphocyte proliferation of broilers, respectively. The results showed that neither AELL nor EESC had significant effects on growth performance of broilers. However, malondialdehyde concentration in heart and liver of the broilers were significantly decreased by feeding AELL or EESC. Superoxide dismutase activity in heart, liver, and kidney of broilers were improved by feeding different dosages of AELL or EESC. In contrast, glutathione reductase activity in serum, heart and kidney of broilers was not affected by experimental treatment. In addition, spleen lymphocyte proliferation of broilers was significantly enhanced by feeding different dosages of AELL or EESC. In conclusion, the results suggested that either AELL or EESC may improve antioxidant status and immune function of broilers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animal Feed
  • Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / immunology
  • Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / physiology
  • Animals
  • Chickens / growth & development*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Ligustrum / chemistry*
  • Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Male
  • Malondialdehyde / metabolism
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Random Allocation
  • Schisandra / chemistry*
  • Spleen / drug effects
  • Spleen / immunology
  • Superoxide Dismutase / metabolism

Substances

  • Plant Extracts
  • Malondialdehyde
  • Superoxide Dismutase