Nutraceutical Potential of Saffron in Counteracting Lead-Induced Physiological and Biochemical Changes in Poultry: A Review

Lead still remains one of the major environmental concerns for poultry, as the metal induces oxidative stress and alters other organ systems. It also has an effect on the immune status and productivity of the flocks. Traditional methods to lower lead toxicity are not much help. A glimmer of hope for solution appears in the form of safe and natural alternatives. Saffron (Crocus sativus) is a lucrative medicinal plant containing numerous phytochemicals such as crocin, crocetin, safranal, and picrocrocin which have gained a lot of dominance as nutraceuticals. But right heart pumping through the cardiac immune response, saffron replacement affects the antioxidant safety equipment (SOD, CAT, GSH) and protects birds from lipid (MDA) and of Pb-exposed poultry protects the live and kidney functionality and enhances hematologic and immune responses (heart). Furthermore the growth performance, feedconversion ratio, the meat quality (texture and flavor) and reproductive health are also improve by saffron hence it can serve as an ideal dietary supplementation in poultry diet that will lead the bottom line to fattened up. All of these have been tested and stood through the test of time to statistically outperform the traditional feeds in use today. It can be deduced that the application of saffron and its by-products can so be a possible harmless selection to help in the management of metallic toxicities in chickens, and therefore secure animal welfare and farming efficiency, albeit saffron and its derivatives are confronted with obstacles vitamin the cost, availability and stability vitamin dose.