E-ISSN 2223-0343


Anti-trypanosomal effects of chloroform extracts of Artemisia herba-alba against Trypanosoma evansi infection in rabbits: clinical, parasitological and haemato-biochemical responses

Fathy Mohamed Ali Awad a*, Abdinasir Yusuf Osmanb,  Zainal Abidin Abu-Hassan c, and Nazlina Ibrahima

aSchool of Biosciences and Biotechnology, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia; bFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
cFaculty of Medicine, University Teknologi MARA UiTM, Shah Alam Selangor, Malaysia

 
Abstract

Haemato-parasitic infections are major causes of reduced productivity in livestock worldwide. For many centuries, chemotherapy has been used extensively, regardless their side-effects, on livestock production. Phytomedical options have been suggested as an alternative approach to treat parasitism and improve performance of livestock. However, scientific evidence on antiparasitic efficacy of most plant products is critically limited. The present study was conducted to validate the anti-trypanosomal properties of chloroform extracts of Artemisia herba-alba in vivo. A total of thirty rabbits (n=30) of approximately 5-6 months old, weighing about 1.5-2.5 kg were divided into six main groups of five animals each. The course of Trypanosoma evansi infection in rabbits was followed for 48 days post-infection. Animals were closely observed for clinical examination. Blood samples were collected for haematological and biochemical purposes. Animals of the infected group demonstrated depression and weakness, lethargy and pale mucous membranes. In these animals, parasites were detected from day 2 post-infection until the end of the experiment. Similarly, parasites were detected from day 2 post-infection in animals treated with chloroform extracts of Artemisia herba-alba. However, in these treated animals, elevating levels of parasitemia followed by intermixed and aparasitemic levels were detected. In contrast, animals of infected group showed reduction in the levels of blood indices (PCV, Hb, RBCs and WBC) and alterations in biochemical values. Unlikely, animals treated with chloroform extracts of Artemisia herba-alba revealed normal haematological and biochemical values thereby confirming their antiparasitic properties.

Keywords: chloroform; Artemisia herba-alba; Trypanosoma evansi; Parasitism; haematology; biochemistry; rabbits
 
To cite this article: Awad FMA, A Yusuf Osman, ZA Abu-Hassan and N Ibrahim, 2013. Anti-trypanosomal effects of chloroform extracts of Artemisia herba-alba against trypanosoma evansi infection in rabbits: clinical, parasitological and haemato-biochemical responses. Res. Opin. Anim. Vet. Sci., 3(11), 426-434.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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