Biochemical, haematological and parasitological evaluation of Nigella sativa efficacy against nematode in sheep as compared with albendazole

ABSTRACT

Twenty six balady sheep were used to compare the efficacy of Nigella sativa with albendazole against nematodiasis. The blood and faecal samples were collected from all animals just before treatment and after 7, 14 and 21 days of treatment. Parasitological examination revealed the presence of Trichostrongylus sp. [100%], Haemonchus sp. [75%], Ostertagia sp. [50%] and Oesophagostomum sp. [25%]. The present results revealed that, anthelmintic efficacy was on 14th day for albendazole and on 21 st day for Nigella sativa Nematode infestation leads to significant increases in serum activities of AST, ALT and ALP, in addition to significant decreases in total protein and albumin. However, the parasitism resuited in significant decreases in serum levels of Cu, Fe, Zn, Ca and P as well as significant decreases in RBCs, Hb and PCV values associated with significant increases in TLC, neutrophils, eosinophils and monocytes count with significant decrease in lymphocytic count. These parameters began to corrected toward normality on 7th day post-treatment with albendazole or Nigella sativa. The data declared a good efficacy of albendazole and Nigella sativa respectively where the derangements were, corrected on the 7 th day. The use of Nigella sativa in correct dose as anthelmintic drug may reduce egg counts and can overcome parasitic infestation in sheep