Functional and Mechanistic Studies of Two Anti-coccidial Herbs, Bidens pilosa and Artemisia indica

Abstract

Currently, antibiotics are commonly used to treat coccidiosis, a severe protozoal disease in chickens. However, due to growing concerns about the antibiotic residue in meat and eggs, phytogenic formulations are becoming an attractive approach to manage this disease. In this study, we investigated the anti-coccidial function and mechanism of phytogenic formulations composed of Bidens pilosa, Artemisia indica, and both used in combination. We found that these formulations increased the survival rate and reduced body weight loss, the feed conversion ratio, oocyst excretion, bloody stools, and gut lesions of chickens. Mechanistic studies showed that A. indica, but not B. pilosa, reduced the survival of Eimeria oocysts. Accordingly, they both inhibited oocyst sporulation and sporozoite invasion into Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells. Overall, we demonstrate that these formulations protect chickens against coccidiosis. Moreover, a combination of B. pilosa and A. indica has an additive effect on coccidiosis control and growth performance in chickens compared to either one used alone.

Management and control of coccidiosis in poultry — A review

“…According to in vitro assays, BP and its active components may be successful therapeutic interventions for malaria. Polyacetylenes and flavonoids derived from BP are the key molecules responsible for its antimalarial effectiveness [ 83 ]. However, the anticoccidial properties of BP and its active ingredients require further investigation.…”

Isolation and Identification of Bioactive Compounds from Bidens spp. Using HPLC-DAD and GC-MS Analysis and Their Biological Activity as Anticancer Molecules

“…B. pilosa is reported to cure various ailments i.e., infectious diseases, immunological disorders, metabolic syndrome and etc. [ 7 ]. This herb is taken in the form of decoction, infusion or juice.…”