Evaluation of Anthelmintic Effects of Essential Oil of Star Anise Against Ascaridia Galli of Poultry

Abstract

Ascaridia galli is among the most reported nematode helminths leading to severe losses in terms of reduced productive and reproductive performance of poultry. Essential oils have been reported to control helminths effectively because of their unique phytochemicals. Thus, star anise essential oil was evaluated for its in vitro and in vivo anthelmintic activity. Phytochemical analysis was performed using gas chromatography flame ionization detection assay. For in vitro efficacy study, egg hatch assay, larval motility, and worm motility assays were performed. Fecal egg count reduction test was performed to evaluate efficacy of selected essential oil in vivo. During the in vivo experiment, blood parameters (RBC, PCV, Serum protein) were also assessed. The phytochemical analysis revealed that the star anise essential oil has Anetholes (Cisa and anethole) as major phytochemical compound. The in vivo efficacy was determined using three different concentrations of star anise essential oil (10, 20 and 30mL/kg in the feed). The essential oil was effective in a dose-dependent manner, with the maximum concentration showing a significant difference (P<0.05) compared to the negative controls. Egg hatchability, worm and larval motility were significantly (P<0.05) reduced in vitro. A significant reduction (P<0.05) was observed in fecal egg counts, along with improvements in RBC, PCV and serum protein levels. These results demonstrate that star anise essential oil can be effectively used for the control of A. galli in poultry.