Abstract
The therapeutic effect of Balanites aegyptiaca fruit’s ethanolic extract (BAF-EE) in goats experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus (H. contortus) was evaluated. Serum biochemical parameters, tissue oxidative stress status and pathological changes were investigated. Twelve goats were divided into 4 equal groups, G1 (infected-untreated), G2 (infected-BAF-EE treated), G3 (infected-albendazole treated) and G4 (uninfected-BAF-EE treated). Infection was conducted at 0-time, whereas treatment with BAF-EE and albendazole was given in the 5th week post infection (PI). Blood samples were drawn on 0-time, 3rd week PI and then biweekly till the 9th week for serum biochemical analyses. At the end of experiment, all animals were slaughtered to estimate oxidative stress markers and histopathological alterations in the abomasal and hepatic tissues. Serum biochemistry of infected animals showed significant depression of total serum proteins, albumin, albumin/globulin ratio, total antioxidant capacity and calcium levels. The activity of AST, ALT and γGT and the cholesterol, urea and creatinine levels were significantly elevated in the serum of infected animals. Glutathione peroxidase values decreased significantly in tissue homogenate of G1 and G3 goats than those in G2 and G4 goats. Malondialdehyde followed a reverse course. Abomasa of infected animals in G1 revealed inflammation, necrosis, petechial hemorrhages and cellular infiltration. Liver showed bile duct hyperplasia, degeneration of hepatocytes and cell infiltration. Intensity of alterations were lower in infected–treated animals. In conclusion, BAF-EE has hepatoprotective effect and can improve serum biochemical alterations and oxidative stress status in goats infected with H. contortus, justifying its use as a safe natural anthelmintic agent.
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