BMC Vet Res. 2013 Sep 11;9:179. doi: 10.1186/1746-6148-9-179.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Gastrointestinal nematode infections constitute a threat to the health and welfare of donkeys
worldwide. Their primary means of control is via anthelmintic
treatments; however, use of these drugs has constraints in developing
countries, including cost, limited availability, access to cheaper
generic forms of variable quality and potential anthelmintic resistance.
As an alternative, bioactive plants have been proposed as an option to
treat and control gastrointestinal helminths in donkeys.
This study aimed to use participatory methodology to explore donkey
owner knowledge, attitudes and beliefs relating to the use of
plant-based treatments for gastrointestinal parasites of donkeys in Ethiopia.
RESULTS:
In focus groups, 22/29 groups stated they knew of plants used for the treatment of gastrointestinal parasites in donkeys.
All groups volunteered plants that were used in cattle and/or small
ruminants. In total, 21 plants were named by participants. 'Koso'
(Hagenia abyssinica) 'Grawa' (Vernonia amygdalina) and a mixed roots and
leaves preparation were the most frequently named plant preparations.
'Enkoko' (Embelia shimperi) and 'a mixture of roots and leaves' were
ranked highly for effectiveness in donkeys.
However, 'Grawa' and 'Koso' were the highest ranked when taking into
account both the rank position and the number of groups ranking the
plant.Thematic analysis of participants' current attitudes and beliefs
surrounding traditional plant-based remedies for gastrointestinal
parasites revealed that anthelmintics obtained from clinics were
generally favoured due to their ease of administration and perceived
higher effectiveness. There was doubt surrounding the effectiveness of
some plant-based treatments, but there were also perceived advantages
including their low cost, ease of cultivation and availability. However,
plant-based treatments were considered a "past trend" and people
favoured "modern" medicine, particularly among the younger generation.
CONCLUSIONS:
There was extensive knowledge of plant-based treatments for gastrointestinal parasites in livestock in Ethiopia. In donkeys,
Koso (Hagenia abyssinica), Grawa (Vernonia amygdalina), Enkoko (Embelia
shimperi) and 'mixed roots and leaves' were the most frequently named
and/or highest ranked plants with reported efficacy against
gastrointestinal parasites. Further in vitro and in vivo investigation
of these plants is now required to determine viable alternatives for the
treatment and control of gastrointestinal parasites in Ethiopia.
