Anthelmintic activity of dandielion (Taraxacum officinale Wigg.)

Abstract

Epizootological situation in the Nonblack Soil Zone shows a trend towards an annual increase in fasciolosis prevalence - anthropo-zoohelminthosis of humans and animals. Potential risk increases of further deterioration of the situation concerning the geographical distribution of Fasciola hepatica which actively occupying new agricultural areas. One of the key elements in the complex of anti-fasciolosis measures is a pasture prophylaxis with use of environmentally friendly herbal remedies. Conducting larval deworming gives the greatest therapeutic and prophylactic effect as not only prevents the spread of invasion but also disease in animals. The aim of the present study was to reveal the trematocidal activity of the dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Wigg.) against larvae of the liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) which locate in digestive tract of definitive host before invasion. Researches were conducted in the laboratory of the FGBNU “NIVI NZ Russia” and on base farms of subzones of southern taiga and mixed forests of the Nizhny Novgorod region. Expressed trematocidal activity of the dandelion with intense effectiveness of 55.88% was revealed experimentally on the laboratory model (grey rabbits). It was estimated that reme- dies prepared from the herb of the dandelion belong to low toxic substances and do not cause collateral effects on non-target objects in particular on grazing farm animals and do not possess cumulative properties (Kn > 2.5). Because of good palatability the dandelion can be used in herbages as a valuable forage plant improving digestion, increasing appetite and enhancing lactation. At the same time the dandelion is an effective therapeutic feed additive with trematocidal effects with intense effectiveness of 55.88% on small bulls of black-motley breed.

Keywords

• fasciola hepatica
• larvae
• prophylaxis
• plants
• anthelmintics