Haemonchus contortus: in vivo anthelmintic activity of leaves of anacardium humile

Helminthiasis represent the major health problem for sheep. The parasites reduce weight gain and reproductive capacity. The use of medicinal plants for helminthiases control has been studied. Here, we did in vivo evaluate of anthelmintic activity of Anacardium humile leaves in “Santa Inês” breed sheep, which were feed with leaves powder dried at 37°C. This powder was added to animal feed (1,2g/kg). The sheep weight, fecal egg counts per gram (EPG) and blood test were procedure in the 1^th, 7^th and 14^th days. Chemical and bromatology studies of leaves were done. A reduction of 68,23% in EPG was observed in the 14^th day. This result contrasted with Nery et al. 2010, which showed that aqueous extract of A. humile leaves had efficacy of 97,3% when in vitro assay. The amount of total tannins was 141,84g tannic acid/kg of dry matter. The levels of protein and minerals on leaves was 9,25% and 33,87g/Kg, respectively, against 21,61% and 57,36g/Kg of feed. After 14 days, moderate weight gain was observed (5%) and the blood test showed decrease on eosinophils levels. It is concluded that the A. humile leaves could be a potential alternative for treating helminthiasis in ruminants.

Reference: Nery, P.S., et al./Veterinary Parasitology 171, 361–364 (2010).