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.