ACTIVITY OF NEEM EXTRACTS (AZADIRACHHTA INDICA) AGAINST GASTROINTESTINAL HELMINTHS OF LOCAL FOWL (GALLUS GALLUS DOMESTICUS)
Abstract
Gastrointestinal helminth infections are a major limitation to poultry productivity, particularly in rural communities where access to synthetic anthelmintics is limited. The development of drug resistance and concerns about chemical residues have increased the need for alternative control strategies. Azadirachta indica (neem) is widely used in ethnoveterinary medicine and contains phytochemicals with potential antiparasitic effects. This study evaluated the antihelminthic activity of neem extracts against gastrointestinal helminths of local fowls. Neem leaves were collected, dried, powdered, and extracted using aqueous and ethanol solvents. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, and terpenoids. In vitro assays demonstrated that neem extracts reduced egg hatchability and impaired larval motility, with ethanol extracts showing greater efficacy than aqueous extracts. In vivo trials indicated a reduction in faecal egg counts in treated birds compared to untreated controls, although albendazole produced the highest efficacy. These findings suggest that neem extracts possess moderate but significant antihelminthic activity and may serve as affordable, safe, and environmentally friendly alternatives for poultry parasite management. Further research is recommended to optimise dosage and evaluate long-term efficacy.
Full-Text Access Notice
In accordance with the NERD Policy on promoting peer-reviewed publication, public access to the full text of a project, thesis or dissertation is restricted for three years, allowing the author and supervisors sufficient time to pursue peer-reviewed publication.
During this period, researchers with legitimate academic or research purposes may request authorisation directly from the author to enable NERD to release the indexed full texts of the work using the form below.