Pharmaceutical activity of sappan wood extract (Caesalpinia sappan L.) for treating Escherichia coli infection in piglets

Abstract

Background: Escherichia coli infection is one of the major diarrheal diseases resulting in the loss of pigs at a young age. Aim: This research investigated the antimicrobial activity of Caesalpinia sappan wood extract against E. coli infection as antibiotic replacing. Methods: E. coli was culture from diarrheal piglets then used for finding the minimal inhibition concentration (MIC). C. sappan wood extract (500 mg/kg) were used for treatment diarrheal piglets compared to antibiotics (enrofloxacin 5 mg/kg) by oral administration. Another three group of diarrheal piglets were used supplemented feed with 1% and 2% the extract compared with commercial feed. Subsequently, E. coli enumeration, faecal shape, faecal colour and growth rate were recorded from day 1 to 7. Results: Based on the results, C. sappan wood extract could inhibit E. coli growth at an MIC of 16–34 mg/mL. The number of colonies did not significantly difference between C. sappan wood extract and enrofloxacin treatment groups. Supplemented feed with 1% and 2% C. sappan wood extract could improve faecal shape and faecal score compared to the control group, albeit only in suckling pigs. There were significant differences from the control group at days 4, 5, 6 and 7 (P < 0.05). However, the average daily gain did not significantly differ among the three groups. Conclusion: The results indicate that C. sappan wood extract could improve diarrheal signs in suckling pigs and can be used as a replacement for antibiotics for organic pig production.