Synergistic effect of Moringa oleifera and Glycyrrhiza glabra on hepatic and renal functions, lipid profile, trace minerals, immune and antioxidant status in broiler chickens

Abstract

The present study investigated the effects of combined dietary supplementation with Moringa oleifera leaf powder and Glycyrrhiza glabra root powder on growth performance and selected physiological indices in broiler chickens. Forty one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly allocated to four dietary groups (10 birds each) for 25 days: control, T1 (0.5% Moringa oleifera leaf powder + 0.225% Glycyrrhiza glabra root powder), T2 (1.0% + 0.45%), and T3 (1.5%+0.675%). Growth performance, hepatic and renal biomarkers, lipid profile, trace minerals, inflammatory markers, and antioxidant status were evaluated. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan’s multiple range test. Initial body weight was comparable among groups, whereas final body weight and daily weight gain increased progressively with increasing supplementation level. Feed conversion ratio improved in a clear dose-dependent manner, with the best value recorded in T3. The combined phytogenic supplementation also reduced serum ALT, AST, uric acid, creatinine, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, CRP, TNF-?, IL-6, and MDA, while increasing HDL-cholesterol, zinc, copper, SOD, TAC, and CAT. Overall, T3 produced the most pronounced effects, whereas T2 generally showed intermediate responses. These findings indicate that the Moringa oleifera– Glycyrrhiza glabra combination improved productive efficiency and supported hepatic, renal, lipid, inflammatory, and antioxidant status in broiler chickens in a dose-dependent manner.