Assessment of <i>in Situ</i> Anthelminthic Activity of Ethanolic Extract of <i>Bidens pilosa</i> against Adult’s Gastro-Intestinal Strongyle of Small Ruminants

Abstract

Infections caused by gastrointestinal nematodes are major threats to livestock industry in the developing countries. They cause direct effects in form of loss in production and indirect economic losses due to high cost of anthelmintic drugs. Various alternative strategies are in practice to control parasitism which includes the usage of medicinal plants. This study evaluates the in situ anthelminthic activity of Bidens pilosa ethanolic extract on gastro-intestinal strongyles of small ruminants. Twenty (20) naturally infested goats of both sexes were distributed into 5 groups (n = 4) corresponding to groups receiving Tween 80 at 2.8%, Albendazole at 5 mg/kg and the three doses of extract (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg). The doses of extract and 2.8% Tween 80 were administered twice daily for 3 consecutive days while Albendazole was administered in a single dose. Faecal eggs count reduction, body weight, packed cell volume (PCV) and total worm count reduction were determined. Results showed that the ethanolic extract of B. pilosa was not effective against adult worms while Albendozole inflicted a 100% reduction of eggs count and total worm count of digestive strongyle. Body weight and PCV remain almost constant. This study indicates that ethanolic extract of B. pilosa at tested doses has no anthelminthic activity. However, further optimization and standardization of the ethanolic extract of B. pilosa could enhance its anthelminthic activity.