Supplement of Saussurea lappa optimizes hepato-renal and thyroid functions of rabbits bucks without DNA destruction

Saussurea lappa (costus) is one of the herbal plants that possess bio-active ingredients of many medical applications. Flemish giant rabbits are an important source of meat worldwide, but they are susceptible to heat oxidative stress during summer, which leads to death, impaired fertility and less productivity. Aim: Examining the phytochemical profile of Costus to identify its antioxidant constituents and investigate their effects on liver and kidney function, TSH, thyroid histology, and DNA fragmentation in Flemish giant rabbits. Methods: Forty male Flemish giant rabbits weighing between 3-3.2 kg, aged 6 months at sexual maturity, were randomly assigned to four experimental groups (n = 10). The first group served as a control and was fed a standard diet. The other three groups were treated with oral Costus root powder at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg B.W. daily for eight consecutive weeks. Results: The total protein, albumin, globulin, and the A/G ratio were significantly increased (P<0.05) in all rabbits administered Costus. However, ALT, AST, creatinine, and urea levels remained within their normal range in all treated groups. Notably, the thyroid architecture, TSH, fT3 levels, and DNA of the treated rabbits did not show significant alterations following treatments. Conclusion: Costus intake appears to improve hepato-renal functions, serum protein levels, and antioxidant status in rabbits without causing adverse effects on thyroid histology, tissue DNA integrity, or serum thyroid hormone levels. These findings suggest the potential for safe use of Costus as a feed or water additive to enhance rabbit productivity.