Effect of Quercetin on Copper Sulphate Induced Proventriculitisin rats

Heavy metal toxicity, especially from copper sulfate, significantly affects poultry health byinducing conditions such as pro-ventriculitis, nephrotoxicity, and Cuproptosis in broiler chicks. These disorders lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, impaired organ function, poor growth, andreduced feed efficiency. Quercetin, a well-known plant flavonoid, possesses potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and nephroprotective properties, making it apromising natural therapeutic agent. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects ofquercetin against copper sulfate-induced toxicity in broiler chicks. Experimental groups receivedcopper sulfate to induce toxicity, followed by treatment with quercetin at two different doses (200mg/kg and 400 mg/kg), and probenecid (2.6 mg/kg) as a standard nephroprotective control. Histopathological evaluations of the proventriculus and kidneys were performed to assessinflammation and tissue damage. The results revealed that quercetin at 200 mg/kg provided superior anti-inflammatory andhepatoprotective effects compared to the higher dose. A biphasic response was obs.ed, wherethe 400 mg/kg dose potentially acted as a pro-oxidant.