Zeetress (a polyherbal formulation of W. somnifera, O. sanctum, and E. officinalis) prevents salinomycin toxicity in broiler chicks

Previously we have evaluated the dose dependent toxicity of salinomycin and maduramycin in broiler chicks and have studied changes in serum biochemical profiles in salinomycin or maduramycin intoxicated broiler chicks. In continuation, we here evaluated the effect of salinomycin toxicity on erythrocyte antioxidant status in broiler chicks. Activities of erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and catalase was elevated progressively and glutathione concentration was reduced significantly in salinomycin (120 ppm in feed) intoxicated birds suggesting that salinomycin toxicity could be mediated by free radical generation and depletion of glutathione levels further contributing to the oxidative damage. Hence we evaluated the effect of antioxidant (Vitamin C, Endox Dry) and Zeetress (a polyherbal formulation of quality extracts of W. somnifera, O. sanctum, and E. officinalis) supplementation on salinomycin toxicity in broiler chicks. Both the antioxidants and zeetress significantly protected the broiler chicks against salinomycin toxicity. There weren't any significant changes in the values observed from control or salinomycin 60-ppm fed chicks. We conclude that salinomycin toxicity is associated with oxidative stress and antioxidant from both natural and synthetic source could be valuable supplements in broiler feeds to prevent ionophore toxicity incidences.