Antioxidative and protective potential of withania somnifera in monocrotophos induced subacute toxicity in broilers

The present investigation was conducted to evaluate antioxidative and protective effect of <Withania somnifera against subacute toxicity of monocrotophos (MCP) in chickens. The study consisted of 5 groups having 12 birds in each. Monocrotophos (2 ppm in feed daily) was administered to birds of group II to V and W. somnifera aqueous root extracts, WRE (100, 300 and 500 mg/kg b. wt/day) were given in drinking water to birds of group III, IV and V birds respectively for 7 weeks. Group I served as control. Increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes GSH and catalase in RBC, liver and brain (P <0.05) were observed in the subacute toxicity of MCP. However, WRE showed marked decrease in LPO and increase in reduced glutathione and catalase activity in erythrocytes and tissues of MCP group (II) birds when compared to control. FCR, body weight and organ weights (liver, brain and kidney) were reduced in MCP exposed Group II birds while these parameters were improved in WRE treated birds. These observations suggested protective role of W. somnifera aqueous root extract against MCP-induced oxidative alterations and toxicity.