In vivo validation of Aloe ferox (Mill). Elephantorrhiza elephantina Bruch. Skeels. and Leonotis leonurus (L) R. BR as potential anthelminthics and antiprotozoals against mixed infections of gastrointestinal nematodes in goats

Abstract

Aloe ferox (Mill)., Elephantorrhiza elephantina Bruch. Skeels. and Leonotis leonurus (L) R. BR. are some of the plants used by farmers in the Eastern Cape Province to control worms in goats, but information on their efficacy is lacking. The study was conducted to determine efficacy of these plants on gastrointestinal nematodes in natural mixed infections in goats. Forty-eight male goats aged 8-12months were divided into eight groups (Treatments A-H) of six animals each, balanced in terms of liveweight and worm egg count. Treatments A to F received plant extracts, three animals in each group receiving doses of 250mg/kg and the other three receiving 500mg/kg at concentration of 100mg/ml, while those in G and H received Valbazen® (11.36% albendazole) at 10mg/kg, and 0.5ml/kg distilled water, respectively per os. Faecal samples were collected on days0, 3, 6 and 9 for faecal egg counts (FEC), and body weights recorded on days1 and 9. Results showed significant reductions (P < 0.05) in strongyle eggs by A. ferox extract at dose levels of 500mg/kg on days3, 6 and 9, while reductions in Eimeria spp. oocysts were observed on days3, 6 and 9 for animals that received 500mg/kg doses. E. elephantina caused significant reduction (P < 0.05) of Trichuris spp. eggs on days3 and 6, respectively at 250mg/kg dose level, whereas L. leonurus also caused significant reduction (P < 0.05) in FEC of Trichuris spp. and Eimeria spp. oocysts at 250mg/kg dose level on day9. Albendazole caused reductions (P < 0.05) in strongyle eggs on days3 and 6, Trichuris spp. on days3, 6 and 9, and on coccidia, it caused a reduction (P > 0.05) on day1, whereas on days6 and 9, there was an increase. On total mixed infections, highest FECR% were observed with the extract of A. ferox on days3 (53%), 6 (54%) and 9 (58%) at 500mg/kg,whereas albendazole had efficacy levels of 39%, 44% and 29% on days3, 6 and 9, respectively. Body weight of goats from days 1 to 9 were not significant different from the control. The study revealed efficacy of A. ferox, E. elephantina and L. leonurus against gastrointestinal parasites at high doses (500mg/kg), showing that the plants have the potential to be used as anthelminthics.