Azadirachta indica aqueous leaf extracts ameliorates coccidiosis in broiler chickens experimentally infected with Eimeria oocysts

Abstract Attention has recently been focused on the protective effect of naturally occurring antioxidants in biological systems against parasites. Available evidence suggests that Azadirachta indica has good antioxidant ability as well as promising potentials in the management of parasitism. Therefore, this study evaluated the ameliorative and therapeutic potentials of aqueous leaves extract of A. indica on some biological parameters such as weight gain, oocyst count, haematology, some biochemical and oxidative stress markers in broiler chicks experimentally infected with Eimeria oocyst. Phytochemical analysis of A. indica revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, and steroids. We observed a dose dependent mean weight gained in the treated groups compared with the negative control. The aqueous leaves extract of A. indica demonstrated an inhibitory effect on the shedding of oocyst in faeces of broiler chicks with up to 87.44% in the 800 mg/kg. The extract did not have significant effects on the RBCs, PCV and Hb concentrations in all the treatment groups compared to the negative control. The heterophils decreased in a dose dependent manner similar to the heterophils/lymphocyte ratio as compared to the negative control. Furthermore, the extract had hepato- and nephron-protective potentials by ameliorating markers of liver and kidney function such as ALT, AST, albumin, direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, and urea. Finally, the extract had good antioxidant ability by decreasing the MDA levels and increasing the levels of SOD, GSH and catalase when compared to the negative control giving further credence to support the folkloric application of the plant in the management of parasitic infections.