In vivo anthelmintic activity of Solanum lycocarpum leaves against Haemonchus contortus in sheep

The favourite plant of maned wolf is the tomato-like fruit of Lobeira (Solanum lycocarpum). This animal works hard to eat a constant amount throughout the year, suggesting that this fruit is of some significant value. Brazilian researches correlated the fruit consumption to helminthiasis control. Here, we did in vivo assays with “Santa Inês” breed sheep infested by Haemonchus contortus. Dried leaves powder (37°C) of S.lycocarpum was added to animal feed (1,2g/kg). The sheep weight, fecal egg counts per gram (EPG) and blood test were done in the 1^th, 7^th and 14^th day. Chemical and bromatology evaluation of powder leaves was done. A reduction of 59,3% EPG was observed in the 14^th day. Seven days after treatment, EPG reduction of 48,8% was yet observed. The amount of total phenolics compounds was 30,37g tannic acid/kg of dry matter. The levels of protein and minerals contained on leaves was 21,5% and 55,4g/Kg, respectively, in contrast with 21,61% and 57,36g/Kg of feed. After 14 days, weight gain was observed (11%) and the blood test showed decrease on eosinophils levels in animal treated. It is concluded that the S. lycocarpum leaves showed anthelmintic activity to sheep, as observed with maned wolf eating fruits of the same plant.