Ameliorative effect of powdered rhizome of Curcuma longa on ochratoxin A induced nephrotoxicity in broilers

A trial was conducted on broiler birds to assess the ameliorating effect of dry powdered rhizome of Curcuma longa (CL) @ 2 g/kg feed as broiler poultry feed additive against Ochratoxin A (OTA) toxicity at 0.5 ppm dietary level. Absence of clinical signs in experimental birds suggested that ochratoxicity at 0.5 ppm is subclinical in nature. Biochemical study revealed increased level of serum uric acid, urea, creatinine, sodium and potassium, indicating nephrotoxicity. Grossly, the kidneys of birds in toxicity groups showed swelling with prominent lobular pattern. Histopathologically, lining epithelial cells of tubules showed swelling, cytoplasmic acidophilia, pyknosis, narrowing of tubular lumen and detachment of tubular epithelium from basement membrane. Ultrastructural study revealed significant mitochondrial abnormality like swelling, elongation, tortuosity, ring formation and disruption of membrane. Glomeruli in toxic group showed thickened glomerular basement membrane and pyknosis in parietal epithelial cells. Use of powdered rhizome of CL significantly reduced the severity of toxicity; however, complete recovery of birds to a state comparable to control birds could not be achieved, as there was persistence of biochemical, histological and ultrastructural alterations in the birds given OTA at 0.5 ppm and supplemented with CL @ 2 g/kg feed, although the changes were of significantly mildernature compared to the birds given 0.5 ppm OTA alone. Thus, CL powder @ 2 g/kg feed could achieve partial amelioration of the toxic effect of OTA in broiler birds.