Effects of Japanese bead-tree (Melia azedarach var. subtripinnata) on gastrointestinal parasites in goats

Abstract

The anthelmintic effects of Japanese bead-tree (Melia azedarach var. subtripinnata) leaves and fruits on gastrointestinal nematodes and coccidia in goats were investigated. Fecal samples were taken from three naturally nematode-infected goats and their EPG (eggs per gram) count was analyzed. Another fecal sample was cultured at 25°C for 10 days with water extracts of M. azedarach leaves and fruits separately, and the larvae of the nematodes were counted. The water extracts of leaves and fruits significantly depressed the development of larvae compared to control (water) (P<0.05). Oral administration of three doses (every three days) of 5 g M. azedarach leaves or 2.5 g fruits/kg BW per day had a significant effect on the reduction of EPG on the 6th and 18th day (P<0.05), respectively, but not on OPG (oocysts per gram), indicating that leaves have a more rapid effect against nematodes than fruits. However, a blood biochemical profile revealed that liver and renal functions were not affected by doses of M. azedarach leaves or fruits. In conclusion, our results indicate beneficial anthelmintic action from both M. azedarach leaves and fruits against gastrointestinal nematodes, but not against coccidia in goats.