The field efficacy of Nigella sativa and Berberis vulgaris methanolic extracts against Haemoproteus columbae.

OBJECTIVE: The methanolic extracts of Nigella sativaL. seeds (MENS) and Berberis vulgaris L.(MEBV) were investigated for treatment of Haemoproteus columbae-infected pigeons (Columba livia domestica). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty naturally-infected pigeons were randomly divided into four groups of thirty each. Two groups were treated separately with the extracts, while the positive and negative control groups were given buparvaquone (Butalex®) and distilled water, respectively. The parasitaemia rate was calculated in all groups before and after the experiment at four-day intervals for16 days. RESULTS: The results showed a high therapeutic effect for MENS with a progressive decrease in average parasitaemia rate from 18.17% before treatment to 0.73% at the end of treatment (p<0.05), while Butalex® was able to suppress the parasitemia rate from 18.90% before treatment to 0.23% at the end of experiment (p<0.05). However, no significant changes in parasitemia rate were evident in groups treated with MEBV (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Methanolic extracts of N. sativa showed therapeutic effects against H. columbae and may be regarded as a suitable choice for further studies to develop new drugs against blood parasites, in both animals and human beings.