Luteolin (Lut) is a natural flavonoid extract from various plants and exhibits multiple biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antibacterial, and antiviral effects. Importantly, Lut can form metal complexes with trace metal elements, enhancing its resorption and utilization in animals. Correspondingly, Lut has alleviated effects on cadmium (Cd)-induced injury. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of Lut in Cd-induced inhibition of bone growth in the femur and tibia of laying chickens. Our study found that Lut efficiently ameliorated Cd-induced bone mass loss in laying chickens by increasing osteogenesis-related regulators and decreasing osteoclastogenesis-related regulators. Overall, these data demonstrate that Lut alleviates Cd-induced damage to the femur and tibia of laying chickens by enhancing osteogenesis and suppressing osteoclastogenesis.

Read the full article in the Journal of Animal Science.