In-vivo anthelmintic efficacy of powder formulation of Embelia ribes fruits and Vernonia anthelmintica seeds on ovine gastrointestinal nematodes

Abstract

Powder formulation of Embelia ribes fruits and Vernonia anthelmintica seeds was evaluated in-vivo for anthelmintic efficacy against gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep. In this study, twelve naturally infected female sheep were selected based on egg per gram (EPG) and then randomly divided into two groups, group I (G I) and group II (G II) having six animals each. G I animals was treated with powder formulations of Embelia ribes fruits and Vernonia anthelmintica seeds (1:1) at the dose rate of 600 mg/kg.b.wt. orally whereas G II animals were left as untreated infected control. Faecal and blood samples were collected on days 0,3,7 and 10 PT to record reduction in faecal egg count and improvement in haematological and biochemical parameters post treatment. On day 10 PT, 62.07% reduction in faecal egg count was observed. Post treatment, there was improvement in haematological, total protein and albumin level indicating reduction in worm burden. AST, ALT and serum creatinine values post treatment suggested no side effects. Coproculture before and after treatment revealed Haemonchus contortus to be a predominant strongyle. The study revealed promising activity of the herbal formulations which can be further exploited to improve the efficacy against gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep.