An in vitro evaluation of the inhibitory effects of an aqueous extract of Acacia nilotica on Eimeria tenella.

Abstract

Eimeria tenella is one of the most important species of Eimeria that infect domestic fowl, causing coccidiosis in the poultry industry associated with drastic economic loss. Alternative treatment options are often necessary since anticoccidial drugs are prohibitively expensive, have serious side effects, or develop resistance. The role that herbal therapy plays in basic healthcare has been rediscovered worldwide. Consequently, our research assessed the in vitro inhibitory effect of escalated concentrations (6.25 mg, 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg/ml) of Acacia nilotica aqueous extract (ANAE) on Eimeria tenella sporulation. Statistical analysis revealed that ANAE decreased the percentage of oocyst sporulation in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, ANAE showed abnormal sporulation and morphological deterioration of E. tenella oocytes. Area Under the Curve (AUC) calculation was used to determine the efficacy of ANAE and revealed that ANAE concentrations significantly reduced the coccidial score index. At 100 mg/ml, ANAE completely suppressed the sporulation of E. tenella oocysts, with obvious changes to their morphology and size. The phytochemical analysis of ANAE has shown that ANAE contains several active principles that possess anthelmintic activities. These compounds include tannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids, which can be attributed to the anticoccidial activity of ANAE. Considering our findings, we recommend that ANAE be used to prevent and control Eimeria.

Management and control of coccidiosis in poultry — A review

“…Additionally, tannins, flavonoids, and saponins are known to have anticoccidial efficacy via reducing sporulation. E. tenella oocysts sporulation was altogether inhibited by Acacia nilotica aqueous extract at a concentration of 100 mg/mL, and the morphology and size of the oocysts were markedly altered, so Acacia nilotica can be potentially employed to prevent and cope with Eimeria infections [ 123 ].…”

Botanicals: A promising approach for controlling cecal coccidiosis in poultry

“…Flavonoids have the potential to control coccidiosis due to their well-known oxidative stress reduction activities ( 239 – 241 ). Flavonoids can also penetrate the cell membranes and cause sporozoite and oocyst death ( 171 , 242 ). Multiple plants, such as, Moringa oliefera and Syzygium aromaticum , with active flavonoids have anticoccidial activity ( 170 , 188 , 240 , 243 – 245 ).…”

“…In this way, saponins can kill the sporozoites or merozoites of Eimeria (55,(168)(169)(170). Saponins can directly interact with the sporozoite and stop reproduction (171). Saponins have a high antioxidant capacity, i.e., they can control reactive oxygen species and reduce the pathologies associated with oxidative stress, which is highly present in cecal coccidiosis (172)(173)(174)(175).…”