Invitro Anticoccidial Effect of Fractions of Chromolaena Odorata Extract on Sporulating Eimeria Tenalla Oocysts

Abstract

Coccidiosis is an important cause of digestive system disorders in birds, especially the poultry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in-vitro anticoccidial effects of the different fractions of Chromolaena odorata extracts on sporulated Eimeria tenella oocysts. Sporulation inhibition bioassay was used to evaluate the activity of crude methanol fraction of Chromolaena odorata extracts; n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol fractions of Chromolaena odorata on sporulation of Eimeria tenella, which was used to cause coccidiosis. in the birds following oral inoculation of experimental broiler birds with oocysts. Post-mortem examination of dead birds showed lesions consistent with Eimeria tenella. The fractions of the Chromolaena odorata were examined for the oocysticidal activities. Amprolium an anticoccidial drug was used as control. The fractions were used in 4 doses: 0 mg/ml; 0.1 mg/ml; 0.2 mg/ml and 0.4 mg/ml. The control drug was used in corresponding doses. The highest oocysticidal activity of tested plant extracts and fractions was recorded. The n-hexane fraction of Chromolaena odorata gave the highest oocysticidal activity. This oocysticidal activity was noticed at lower concentrations but activity was found to be dose-dependent. The highest oocysticidal activity for the n-hexane fraction of Chromolaena odorata was at 65.67±2.08%. Amprolium showed no oocysticidal activity at all concentrations. However, other fractions of the Chromolaena odorata showed different levels of oocysticidal activities. The methanol fractions were secondary to the n-hexane while the ethyl acetate was the least.  In conclusion, this study provides the basis for using Chromolaena odorata, especially the n-hexane fraction as preventive agents against coccidiosis and suggests their use as a feed additive in the control of coccidiosis.