Goat dewormers developed from 3 local plants

MANILA, Philippines - A Filipino researcher has developed anthelmintics or dewormers for goats using three local plants.

A study conducted by Dr. Tomas Fernandez, a researcher from the Visayas State University in Baybay, Leyte, found that star apple or caimito (Chrysophyllum cainito), makabuhay (Tinospora rumphii), and makahiya (Mimosa pudica) can be used as anthelmintics or dewormers in treating parasitism in goats.

Fernandez’ study found that these plants are rich in bioactive compounds that are critical in killing, lyzing, and expelling adult worms, their eggs and larvae, and in healing inflammation brought about by the worms, according to the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD).

The research revealed that caimito has a high concentration of alkaloids, makabuhay has high flavonoids, and makahiya has high tannins.

An alkaloid is a naturally occurring nitrogenous organic molecule that has a pharmacological effect on humans and other animals.

Flavonoids, on the other hand, are also known as vitamin P and citrin. Flavonoids are most commonly known for their antioxidant activity. 

Reports said tannins may be employed medicinally in antidiarrheal, hemostatic, and antihemorrhoidal compounds. 

The anti-inflammatory effect of tannins also helps control all indications of gastritis, esophagitis, enteritis, and irritating bowel disorders, reports said. 

The study also showed that when combined as a cocktail drug, the efficacy of the herbal dewormer is expected to increase, PCARRD said. 

PCARRD said Fernandez’s findings are especially relevant for goat raisers, as parasitism is one of the perennial problems affecting goat productivity.

“Haemonchus contortus, the most pathogenic worm in goats, causes economic losses such as death and reduced production of meat and milk,” said PCARRD, an agency under the Department of Science and Technology.

PCARRD said the use of chemical anthelmintics is one effective option in removing and controlling parasites.

“However, they are expensive, not always available in remote areas, and with continuous use, may cause resistance,” it said.

“As an alternative, herbal anthelmintics can be utilized. Compared to synthetic drugs, they are more accessible, inexpensive and available all year round,” PCARRD said.

The DOST agency funded the project to determine proportions of caimito, makabuhay, and makahiya in combination that will be effective against all stages of the Haemonchus. 

“It is expected that their bioactive components will act synergistically to control the parasite,” it said.

The study entitled “Development of Herbal Drugs for the Management of Common Strongyle Worm Infections in Goats” was conducted from November 2008 to May this year.