Preventive Effects of Silymarin on Diclofenac-induced Toxicity in the Domestic Pigeon (Columba livia)

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of silymarin on diclofenac-induced acute liver and kidney poisoning in domestic pigeons (Columba livia). The use of NSAIDs leads to adverse drug effects, such as cardiovascular and gastrointestinal hemorrhage and renal side effects. The vast amount of pharmacological attributes possessed by silymarin describes the remarkable content of research aimed at understanding its effect in the remedy of diverse diseases. Fifteen pigeons were randomly assigned into three groups (1, 2, and 3). Group 1 pigeons served as the negative control group and only were given tap water. Groups 2 and 3 were administered diclofenac (15 mg/kg PO q12h) since the start of the study for 24 h. The third group of pigeons was treated with silymarin (35 mg/kg) plus diclofenac, beginning 12 hours after diclofenac exposure, with the silymarin treatment continuing q12h for 48 h. Blood samples were taken from the birds at times 0, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h of the experiment for serum biochemistry analysis. The results indicated that the treatment of pigeons with silymarin reduced the serum level of AST, ALT, UA, and urea while increasing ALB and TP. Clinical observations also indicated the presence of toxication symptoms, including loss of appetite, diarrhea, and lethargy. These symptoms improved faster in the silymarin group. It can be concluded that silymarin reduces acute liver and kidney damage caused by diclofenac in pigeons.