Abstract:
Anticestodal efficacy of single dose oral treatment with powdered Peganum harmala seeds (1, 2 and 3 g/kg) and their water and methanol extracts equivalent to 3 g/kg of the powder was studied in naturally infected betel goats. Pre-and post-treatment faecal eggs per gram (EPG) counts were determined and their % age reductions on 3rd, 10th and 15th days of drug administration were calculated. The % age EPG count reductions in animals treated with 1 g/kg body weight were 46 ± 38, 69 ± 35 and 75± 25, respectively on days 3rd, 10th and 15th. These values with 2 g/kg of powder were 90 ± 42, 91 ± 43 and 93 ± 40, respectively. The respective % age reductions in EPG counts after 3 g/kg were 96 ± 42, 97 ± 44 and 100 ± 00 respectively indicating complete elimination of the cestodes. The % age EPG reductions after treatment with water extract equivalent to 3 g/kg body weight were 66 ± 29, 80 ± 31 and 92 ± 41, respectively on days 3rd, 10th and 15th. In the group receiving methanol extract equivalent to 3 g/kg body weight, % age reductions were 76 ± 26, 92 ± 32 and 98±62, respectively on days 3rd, 10th and 15th. P. harmala seeds (1, 2 and 3 g/kg orally) produced transitory side effects like shivering, tremors, ataxia and diarrhoea which vanished in few hours. Behavioural pattern and acute toxicity studies carried out in albino rats also revealed that the drug produces shivering and tremors but there serious acute toxicity effects are produced. The data suggest that single dose oral treatment with 3 g/kg of P. harmala seeds and Nilzan (5 ml/15 kg body weight) are equipotent against cestodes in goats. The former, however, produces some temporary side effects.
Page(s):
79-84
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Journal of pharmacy, Volume: 4, Issue: 2, Year: 1986