Treatment of Avian Trichomoniasis by Tannin-based Herbal mixture (Artemisia Annua, Quercus infectoria, and Allium Sativum)

Abstract

Introduction: Trichomonas gallinae (T. gallinae) infects numerous species of birds worldwide. Many antiprotozoal drugs have been utilized for therapeutic purposes. Herbal plants extracts do not result in drug resistance or tissue residue; therefore, they are a dependable and safe substitute for treating trichomoniasis. The current study, the antitrichomonal properties of three herbal plants (Quercus infectoria, Artemisia annua, and Allium sativum) were compared to those of metronidazole in pigeons. Materials and methods: In this experiment, 32 pigeons were used, each of which was divided into four groups with four replicates. All groups were experimentally infected with T. gallinae except for group D. Group A was treated with an herbal mixture (80% Quercus infectoria extract, 11% Artemisia annua extract, and 9% Allium sativum extract [standardized to 8% total tannic acid]; Coccyphyt-L®; Makian Dam Pars Science-Based Company), while Group B was given metronidazole. The positive control group C was experimentally infected but not treated with T. gallinae, while group D remained healthy throughout the experiment. The experiment consisted of a performance index, weight gain, wet mount, and biochemical and hematological examination. Results: Compared to metronidazole, the treatment with an herbal mixture significantly reduced the pathogenic effects of Trichomonas spp. After a week of treatment, chickens in group A were nearly healthy and, in some respects, superior to those in the metronidazole treatment group. Conclusion: In conclusion, the antiprotozoal properties of the aforementioned herbal mixture suggest its use as an alternative antitrichomonal agent to chemotherapeutic drugs in trichomoniasis treatment.