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Abstract

This study aimed to explore the in vitro and in vivo anthelmintic efficacy of pomegranate peels ethanolic extract (PEE) against Haemonchus contortus (H. contortus) infection among goats. Hemogram was also investigated. The direct effect of different concentrations of PEE at 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/ml on adult worms and larvae in comparison with albendazole at 10µg/ml at various hours was assessed. The in vitro anthelmintic effect of PEE at 400 mg/ml was the most remarkable that caused 86% adult worm motility inhibition and 0.87 mortality index, prominent adult worms’ cuticular microscopic deformities and induced 100% larval mortality. Fifteen parasite free Baladi Egyptian goats aged 6 to 10 months old, divided into five groups (G1 to GV) were utilized. Experimental infection of the goats with H. contortus was done except GI which was used as control uninfected untreated. GII was kept as infected control. GIII, GIV and GV were treated with PEE at a dose of 3 and 6 g/kg BW, and albendazole at 10 mg/kg BW, respectively. GIV displayed the maximum fecal egg count reduction of (90.55%), significant decrease of worm burden with efficacy of (96.39%), distinct elevation in Hb and HCT values and, retaining the normal total and differential WBC with improving animals’ health condition. In conclusion, PEE had an interesting in vitro and in vivo anthelmintic activity against H. contortus and could be deemed as potent, safe and economic alternative anthelmintic against haemonchosis in goats.