Abstract
Background: Peganum harmala have many biological and pharmacological activities such as antifungal, antibacterial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory. The present study was carried out to evaluate the antischistosomal activities of Peganum harmala with special reference to bovine schistosomiasis in naturally infected buffaloes.
Methods and Materials: A total of 54 naturally infected buffaloes with "Schistosomiasis" of ages around five years were used for anthelmintic studies. All of the buffaloes were properly marked so as to make a distinction from one other. A doctor of veterinary was available for daily checkup. Samples prepared according to the available methods in literature.
Results: In the present study, naturally infected buffaloes with Schistosoma bovis were treated with Peganum harmala (Harmal, seed), with dose 75 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg and 225 mg/kg body weight respectively, and their impact on various parameters like eggs reduction, milk production, weight gain and feed intake was noted. Furthermore, their efficiency (%) was evaluated with "Praziquantel" (allopathic drug) at "10mg/Kg body weight" dose level. After first dose of "Praziquantel" hundred percent effectiveness was noted, while the same result obtained for herbal drug after giving second dose of "225mg/kg body weight". To evaluate the effect of herbal medicines on protein portions, sera of treated and control buffaloes were also investigated.
Conclusion: From present findings, it is concluded that the herb Peganum harmala can easily replace Praziquantal (PZQ) with almost same efficiency (%). Furthermore, the herb is easily available at cheap price at local market and it will be good for the economy of Pakistan