The invitro ascaricidal efficacy of erythrina abyssinica extracts
Abstract
The antihelmitic efficacy of Erythrina abyssinica (Leguminocae) used in the control of worms
in indigenous chicken was conducted in the Pharmacology Department of Faculty of Veterinary
Medicine, Makerere University. The study hypothesized that Plants with known but undocumented
anthelmintic activity exist in the south western agro-ecological zone of (SWAEZ) of Uganda. The
efficacy of medicinal plant varies with the location in the SWAEZ. The study aimed to investigate the
invitro efficacy of Erythrina abyssinica against Ascaridia galli. Ascaridia galli was used as a model
for the in vitro study. The research findings showed that the leaves, root bark and stem bark had
activity against A.galli (P<0.05). Leaves extracts had comparable efficacy to conventional piperazine
citrate with minimum dose level of 2.30-9.69 mg/ml to achieve 50% mortality (ED50) compared to
stem barks (2.93-13.57mg/ml) and root barks (7.99-24.39 mg/ml). There was statistically insignificant
differences (p>0.05) in activity against Ascaridia galli by root barks, stem barks and leaves extract
across districts in Bushenyi, Mbarara, Ntungamo and Rakai. The study validates the use of Erythrina
abyssinica by the farmers to control worms in local chicken. The study recommends further study to
undertake acute toxicity tests to establish safety of the plant extracts. The use Erythrina abyssinica
leaves other than root or stem is sustainable way of conserving the plant.
Keywords: Antihelminthic, Erythrina abyssinica, Ascaridia galli, Effective dose (ED50), Motility