Effect of Marshmallow's root extract on thyroid hormones in broilers

Abstract

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis L.) is belonging to Malvaceae family. Previous studies have shown that this plant has many physiological effects on hormone systems. The goal of this study was investigating the effect of root extract of this plant on concentrations of thyroid hormones in broilers. 240 broilers were divided into four groups with five replications and twelve members in each replication. A group was control group and other groups were fed by various doses of extract (0.25, 0.5 and 1%) for 42 days in drinking water. At last two broilers were selected randomly from each replication, blood samples were taken and concentration of T3, T4 and TSH hormones were measured using Eliza method and Monibind Kit. Obtained data were analyzed using SAS program and means were compared using Duncan multiple ranges test. Concentration of T3 hormone was decreased significantly (p<0.05) in third and fourth groups (doses 0.5 and 1%) but 0.25% of extract (group 2) increased it none significantly. Concentration of T4 hormone was not affected by treatments. There was significant differences between TSH hormone of third and fourth group with control group (p<0.05), but second group didn't affect this hormone. On the whole the extract of marshmallows root can affect T3 and TSH hormones dose dependently and is effective in metabolism in this way. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2014.