Supplementation of TCMN at 444mg/kg to the AFB1 diet, although it significantly increased total antioxidant concentration in the liver, did not increase the activity of superoxide dismutase or catalase and hence did not reduce the peroxide levels. The performance of these chickens was similar to those fed AFB1 alone. This finding is supported by the fact that certain naturally occurring polyphenolics like catechin, galangin and quercetin have been shown to inhibit lipid
oxidation, but also showed a pro-oxidant action during the lag phase of the oxidation due to transition metal (Cu/Fe)-induced generation of free radicals(23,37). Other phenolics like eugenol (2-allyl-4-methoxyphenol) are modulated as a pro-oxidant or antioxidant under certain circumstances(12). From the present study, it is concluded that dietary supplementation of 222mg/kg TCMN to a diet containing 1·0mg/kg AFB1 provided the greatest amelioration and demonstrated highest antioxidant activity.