Inhibition of aflatoxin-induced liver damage in ducklings by food additives.

Inhibitory effects of food additives on toxicity induced by aflatoxin B1 was conducted in 3-day-old ducklings. Aflatoxin B1 at a dose of 5 μg/day per animal for 14 days induced severe liver damage which included necrosis, fatty changes, and biliary hyperplasia. These changes were found to be inhibited by the daily administration of turmeric (50mg), curcumin (10 mg), and ellagic acid (10 mg) in the diet. Addition of BHA-butylated hydroxy anisole (10 mg), BHT-butylated hydroxy toluene (10 mg), garlic (500 mg), and asafoetida (50 mg) inhibited necrosis and degeneration of the tissue, while biliary hyperplasia persisted. Biochemical and haematological parameters were not significantly altered under the conditions studied.