Dietary Supplementation of Silybum marianum Seeds Improved Growth Performance and Upregulated Associated Gene Expression of Muscovy Ducklings (Cairina moschata)

Effects of dietary Silybum marianum powder on growth performance, egg and carcass characteristics, immune response, intestinal microbial population, haemato-biochemical parameters and sensory meat quality of laying quails

The study aimed to assess the effects of different dietary Silybum marianum (SM, milk thistle) powder levels on growth performance, productivity, immunity, small intestine, haemato-biochemical parameters, meat quality, and egg and carcass characteristics of laying quails. The experimental subjects consisted of one hundred and eight 43-day-old quails divided into 3 treatments (0, 0.75, and 1.50% SM) with 4 replicates each. The egg characteristics and growth performance of the quails were evaluated. Quails were euthanized for evaluation of carcasses, microbiota, and sensory characteristics of meat. Blood samples were analyzed for haematology and biochemical profile. SM at 0.75% and 1.50% significantly (P < 0.05) increased feed intake, enhanced egg characteristics (number, weight, width, length, volume, weight of egg yolk, and eggshell thickness), jejunum and ileum length, spleen weight, lactobacillus population, sensory characteristics of meat, red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin, erythrocytic indices, concentration of albumin, globulin and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). SM at 0.75% and 1.50% decreased (P < 0.05) carcass weight (abdominal fat, heart, neck, and pancreas), feed conversion ratio (FCR) based on eggs produced, percentages of heterophils and lymphocytes, concentration of lactate dehydrogenase, population of coliforms clostridia, and Escherichia coli. Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and creatine kinase were not significantly (P > 0.05) altered by 0.75% and 1.50% SM. SM at both levels (0.75% and 1.50%) may improve growth, egg characteristics, immune response, intestinal morphology and microbiota, meat quality and erythropoiesis, and also lead to decreased cholesterol in laying quails. Economics can be improved, too. The authors recommend adding 1.0% of SM to quail diet.

Effects of silybin supplementation on growth performance, serum indexes and liver transcriptome of Peking ducks

As an emerging feed additive extracted from the traditional herb milk thistle, silybin has few applications and studies in Peking ducks. The aim of this study was to explore the practical significance of silymarin application in Peking ducks and to provide more theoretical support for the application of silymarin in livestock and poultry production. A total of 156 1-day-old healthy Peking ducks were randomly divided into four groups and supplemented with 0 mg/kg (control group), 400 mg/kg (S400), 800 mg/kg (S800) and 1,600 mg/kg (S1600) of silybin in the diets at day 14, to investigate the effects of silymarin on the growth, serum indexes and liver transcriptome of Peking ducks. The whole experiment lasted until day 42, and the sample collection was scheduled to take place in the morning. A substantial inprovement in average daily gain (ADG) and a decrease in feed conversion ratio (FCR) occurred in the S1600 group on days 14-28 compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The FCRs of other additive groups in the same period showed the same results. Supplementation of diets with silybin significantly increased serum IgA levels and when 1,600 mg/kg of silybin was given, levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were also significantly decreased (p < 0.05). In addition, we observed that the S1600 group had a significantly lower (p < 0.05) glutamine transaminase and an increased (p < 0.05) T-SOD level in the S400 group (p < 0.05). Liver transcriptome sequencing showed that 71 and 258 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the S400 and S1600 groups, respectively, compared with the control group. DEGs related to cell composition and function, antigen processing and presentation were up-regulated, while DEGs related to insulin resistance and JAK-STAT were down-regulated. Conclusively, silybin can be used as a feed additive to improve the growth performance and health status of Peking ducks.

Flavonoids nanostructures promising therapeutic efficiencies in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is among the frequently diagnosed cancers with high mortality rates around the world. Polyphenolic compounds such as flavonoids are secondary plant metabolites which exhibit anti-cancer activities along with anti-inflammatory effects. However, due to their hydrophobicity, sensitivity to degradation and low bioavailability, therapeutic effects have shown poor therapeutic effect. Nano delivery systems such as nanoliposomes, nanomicelles, silica nanoparticles have been investigated to overcome these difficulties. This review provides a summary of the efficiency of certain flavonoids and polyphenols (apigenin, genistein, resveratrol, quercetin, silymarin, catechins, luteolin, fisetin, gallic acid, rutin, and curcumin) on colorectal cancer models. It comprehensively discusses the influence of nano-formulation of flavonoids on their biological functions, including cellular uptake rate, bioavailability, solubility, and cytotoxicity, as well as their potential for reducing colorectal cancer tumor size under in vivo situations.