WITHANIA COAGULANS AS A POTENTIAL ANTHELMINTIC IN-VIVO AGAINST NEMATODES IN CHAKUR (ALECTORIS CHUKAR) HOSTS

Abstract

The Chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar), a prominent species in the Phasianidae family within the Galliformes order, stands as the national bird of Pakistan and Iraq. These birds, operating within a semi-scavenging system, contend with a diverse array of helminth parasites. To treat helminthiasis, the repeated utilization of anthelmintic has inadvertently nurtured a global prevalence of anthelmintic resistance. In response to this challenge, the trend of employing botanical anthelmintics has gained momentum as a viable strategy to counter anthelmintic resistance. A notable contender in this realm is Withania coagulans, a plant indigenous to Balochistan and other regions, member of the Solanaceae family. Following the procurement of fresh leaves and fruits, the subsequent drying process culminated in the transformation of the dried plants into a finely ground powder. A total of 50 birds were evaluated, out of which 15 Chakur birds with elevated egg per gram (EPG) counts exceeding 150 were selected. The unveiled compelling results, with mean efficacy rates of 87.43% for Fenbendazole, 98.2% for Piperazine, and 96.6% for Withania coagulans. Notably, nematodes such as Ascarids and Heterakis gallinarum exhibited susceptibility to Piperazine and Withania coagulans, while concurrently demonstrating resistance to Fenbendazole, indicative of the evolution of drug resistance over time. The core objective of the study centered on evaluating the effectiveness of Withania coagulans in combating nematodes within the native Chakur bird population of Pakistan. The research findings were fortified by the presence of withanolides in the methanolic extract of Withania coagulans, which demonstrated anti-nematodal activity. The observed decline in EPG counts following treatment with Withania coagulans hints at the plausible role of bioactive compounds such as withanolides and alkaloids. In light of these findings, the study calls for a more extensive exploration of the potential of Withania coagulans and analogous herbal products as a means of tackling helminth infestations. The insights gleaned from these herbal interventions could catalyze the development of robust, sustainable strategies to confront and overcome anthelmintic resistance among avian populations.