ABSTRACT
Vegetative organs of Khaya senegalensis (Ders.) A. Juss. are widely used in African pharmacopoeia. A review of pharmacological studies, focused on this plant, was carried out, using the available scientific literature. Several studies have revealed its bioactive properties and therefore its medical efficacy. Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the stem bark and leaves of this plant have shown efficient in the treatment of some bacterial infections. Their widely reported biochemical effects, such as -amylase activity inhibition, decreasing in bowel motility and in some blood and serum enzyme (Aspartate transferase, Alanine transferase and Alkaline phosphatase) justify indications against diabetes, diarrhea and liver disorders. Antiparasitic properties directed against helminths and coccidian are also attributed to these herbal medicines. However, according to some results recorded in various studies, this plant has a high risk of toxicity in chronic treatment (several weeks). Histotoxic effects (in liver and kidney) resulting in increased of plasma total protein, blood urea and creatinine are reported.
ABSTRACT
The effects of the crude aqueous extract of Chenopodium ambrosioides leaves on food intake and digestibility were evaluated with twelve Sahelian goats weighing about 25 kg. Three experimental groups, each consisting of three animals, were treated respectively with the dose of 1ml, 2ml and 4ml/kg of body weight. Treatment was daily and lasted three days. One control group, receiving the same diet as the experimental groups, was involved. The experiment revealed that the herbal extract induced a highly significant variation (p <0.01) in voluntary feed intake expressed in grams of dry matter (DM) from 366.67 g ± 86 (control group) to 631.67 g ± 106.37 (4ml/kg/BW treated group). Concerning digestibility, the results indicated an increase in the absorption of ash and fibre (39.65 % ± 2.65 to 51.38 % ± 4.91). But the digestibility of protein was only slightly influenced by the herbal extract. Animals treated with 4ml/kg/BW dosage had soft and pasty faeces. The aqueous extract of C. ambrosioides leaves would own interesting digestive effects in small ruminants in the fattening stage or those suffering from indigestion due to rumen stuffing. Further specialized studies may clarify those effects.
ABSTRACT
An epidemiological survey was undertaken from March to September 2010 to assess the prevalence and zoonotic aspects of scabies in small ruminants in two agro-ecological zones in southern Benin. Small ruminant (n = 444) smallholders and 1,807 of their animals (1,233 West African dwarf goats and 574 West African dwarf sheep) were included in the study. The animals underwent physical examination and, when scabies-like lesions were found, crusts and integument scrapings were collected for microscopic parasitological tests. The samples collected in each survey were coded in accordance with the owner-animal pairings in order to assess the degree of correlation between mange cases in humans (smallholders) and their animals. The overall prevalence of scabies was 28.33% and 9.5% in animals and smallholders (human cases) respectively. Infestations were significantly (p < 0.001) more frequent in goats (39.6%) than in sheep. The uniqueness of the etiological agent (Sarcoptes scabiei), the very high predictive value of human scabies in infected farms (83.67%) and a very high odds ratio (OR = 2,019.25) indicate that small ruminant scabies has been transmitted to smallholders by their animals. Close contact between these smallholders and their animals was a determining factor in this interspecies communicability of sarcoptic mange.
Um estudo epidemiológico foi realizado entre março e setembro de 2010, a fim de determinar a prevalência e aspectos zoonóticos de sarna em pequenos ruminantes em duas zonas agroecológicas no Sul de Benin. Pequenos criadores (n = 444) de ruminantes e 1.807 dos seus animais (1.233 cabras e 574 ovelhas Djallonké) fizeram parte da amostra para o estudo. Os animais foram submetidos a um exame físico e, quando detectadas algumas suspeitas de lesões da sarna, crostas e amostras cutâneas foram colhidas para exames parasitológicos por microscopia de luz. As amostras colhidas em cada inquérito foram codificadas tendo como referência os donos dos animais, a fim de estabelecer/avaliar o grau de correlação entre os casos de incidência nos humanos (criadores) e os seus respectivos animais. A prevalência de sarna foi, respectivamente, 28,33% em animais e 9,5% entre os criadores (casos humanos). Infestações foram significativamente (p < 0,001) mais comum em caprinos (39,6%) do que nos ovinos (4,2 %). A particularidade do agente etiológico (Sarcoptes scabiei), o alto valor preditivo de infestação nos humanos (83.67%) e o elevado valor da odds ratio (OR = 2019.25) indica um caráter zoonótico da sarna dos pequenos ruminantes. A proximidade entre homens e animais neste meio é um fator importante neste contato interespecífica da sarna sarcóptica.