Phytotherapeutic Efficacy of Cucurbita pepo against Gastrointestinal Helminths in Goats
Saurabh Zingare *
Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Faculty of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Mirzapur, (Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi), India.
Kishor Pajai
Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Akola, (Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur), India.
Sunil Waghmare
Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Akola, (Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur), India.
MFMF Siddiqui
Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Parbhani, (Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur), India.
Shailendra Kuralkar
Department of Animal Genetics & Breeding, College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Akola, (Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur), India.
Sunil Hajare
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Akola, (Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur), India.
Savita Dewangan
Department of Agronomy, Institute of Agriculture Sciences, Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, Mirzapur, (Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi), India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: To evaluate the in vivo anthelmintic efficacy aqueous seed extract of Cucurbita pepo against mixed gastrointestinal helminths in goats, with the goal of identifying a potential alternative to conventional anthelmintic drugs.
Study Design: An experimental trial was conducted on ten naturally infected goats to assess the therapeutic effects of Cucurbita pepo seed extract over a 21-day observation period, focusing on parasitological, haematological, and biochemical responses.
Place and Duration of Study: The present study was conducted at Post Graduate Institute of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, MAFSU, Akola, Maharashtra and duration of study was 06 months.
Methodology: Ten goats naturally infected with gastrointestinal helminths were selected and administered Cucurbita pepo seed extract orally at a dose of 160 mg/kg body weight for three consecutive days. Faecal egg count was evaluated on days 0, 3, 7, and 21 post-treatment. Haematological (haemoglobin, packed cell volume, total erythrocyte count) and biochemical (liver enzymes, serum proteins) parameters were assessed on days 0 and 21. Safety was monitored through clinical observations and biochemical profiling.
Results and Discussion: The treated goats exhibited a progressive and significant reduction in faecal egg count, reaching a 98.59% reduction by day 21. Significant improvements were noted in haemoglobin, packed cell volume, and total erythrocyte count, suggesting recovery from anaemia and enhanced erythropoiesis. No significant changes were detected in liver enzymes or serum protein levels, and no adverse effects were observed, indicating the safety of the treatment.
Conclusion: Aqueous seed extract of Cucurbita pepo demonstrated potent anthelmintic activity and was well tolerated in goats. These findings support its potential as a safe, natural alternative to synthetic anthelmintics and highlight its relevance in reducing drug resistance. Further research is recommended to isolate active compounds and confirm long-term efficacy.
Keywords: Cucurbita pepo, faecal egg count, gastrointestinal helminths, goats, phytotherapy