Extract of Mangifera indica L. leaves may reduce biofilms of Staphylococcus spp. in stainless steel and teatcup rubbers.

Human ingestion of antimicrobial residues in dairy products is a problem of public health. In this study we evaluated antibacterial effectiveness of aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of Mangifera indica L. as a natural alternative for reduction of Staphylococcus spp. biofilms. Eight Staphylococcus spp. strains from cows with mastitis and the Staphylococcus aureus strain (ATCC 25923) were evaluated. High performance liquid chromatography indicated the presence of phenolic compounds in the aqueous extract. Agilent Technologies gas chromatography revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, and gallic acid in ethanolic extract. The tannin contents were 2.27 ± 0.01 and 2.67 ± 0.01% for ethanolic extract and aqueous extract, respectively. Extracts were evaluated in agar diffusion test and the size of inhibition zones were compared. The ethanolic extract was the most effective, showing minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations between 1.8-7.5 and 15.1-45.3 mg/ml, respectively. After tannin removal, the extracts were less effective, indicating these secondary metabolites as one of the main antibacterial compounds. The ethanolic extract at 45.3 mg/ml reduced mature biofilms in teat rubber (average: 3.91 log reduction) and stainless steel (average: 3.87 log reduction) after 5 min of contact. The extracts of M. indica leaves represent natural alternatives against Staphylococcus spp. strains and the ethanolic extract shows potential as a natural sanitizer.

Efficacy of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl) A. Gray on the inhibition of larval development of Haemonchus contortus / Eficácia de Tithonia diversifolia(Hemsl) A. Gray na inibição do desenvolvimento larval de Haemonchus contortus

Sheep farming is an important economic activity from a commercial and subsistence perspective. However, helminth infections present a large sanitary problem for the production, especially haemonchosis caused by strains resistant to traditional anthelmintics. Here, we evaluated the effects of the stem and leaf of Tithonia diversifolia on the inhibition of Haemonchus contortus larval development. We performed a quantitative fecal culture test with feces of sheep inoculated with larvae tolerant to albendazole. Fecal cultures were treated with leaf or stem powder and were compared to the controls containing distilled water or levamisole. The T. diversifolia leaf and stem powders significantly reduced the production of H. contortus larvae. However, leaf powder was more effective, with 64.95% efficacy in the reduction of larvae production, representing a promising alternative in the integrated control of this nematode.

A ovinocultura é uma importante atividade econômica em escala comercial e de subsistência. No entanto, um dos maiores desafios nessa atividade são as verminoses, destacando-se a haemoncose ocasionada por cepas resistentes a anti-helmínticos. Neste estudo objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do caule e folha de Tithonia diversifolia soba inibição do desenvolvimento de larvas de Haemonchus contortus. Foram realizadas coproculturas quantitativas com fezes de ovinos inoculados com larvas do nematódeo toleranteao albendazol. Foram avaliadas as produções de larvas infectantes em coproculturas tratadas: com pó da folha e do caule e com o extrato aquoso do caule da planta comparando-se com o tratamento controle contendo água destilada e levamisol. O pó da folha e do caule de T. diversifoliareduziram significativamente a produção de larvas infectantes de H. contortus. Entretanto, o pó das folhas foi mais efetivo, promovendo eficácia de 64,95% na redução de larvas em coproculturas, representando uma alternativa promissora no controle integrado do nematódeo.

Efficacy of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl) A. Gray on the inhibition of larval development of Haemonchus contortus / Eficácia de Tithonia diversifolia(Hemsl) A. Gray na inibição do desenvolvimento larval de Haemonchus contortus

Sheep farming is an important economic activity from a commercial and subsistence perspective. However, helminth infections present a large sanitary problem for the production, especially haemonchosis caused by strains resistant to traditional anthelmintics. Here, we evaluated the effects of the stem and leaf of Tithonia diversifolia on the inhibition of Haemonchus contortus larval development. We performed a quantitative fecal culture test with feces of sheep inoculated with larvae tolerant to albendazole. Fecal cultures were treated with leaf or stem powder and were compared to the controls containing distilled water or levamisole. The T. diversifolia leaf and stem powders significantly reduced the production of H. contortus larvae. However, leaf powder was more effective, with 64.95% efficacy in the reduction of larvae production, representing a promising alternative in the integrated control of this nematode.  

A ovinocultura é uma importante atividade econômica em escala comercial e de subsistência. No entanto, um dos maiores desafios nessa atividade são as verminoses, destacando-se a haemoncose ocasionada por cepas resistentes a anti-helmínticos. Neste estudo objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do caule e folha de Tithonia diversifolia soba inibição do desenvolvimento de larvas de Haemonchus contortus. Foram realizadas coproculturas quantitativas com fezes de ovinos inoculados com larvas do nematódeo toleranteao albendazol. Foram avaliadas as produções de larvas infectantes em coproculturas tratadas: com pó da folha e do caule e com o extrato aquoso do caule da planta comparando-se com o tratamento controle contendo água destilada e levamisol. O pó da folha e do caule de T. diversifoliareduziram significativamente a produção de larvas infectantes de H. contortus. Entretanto, o pó das folhas foi mais efetivo, promovendo eficácia de 64,95% na redução de larvas em coproculturas, representando uma alternativa promissora no controle integrado do nematódeo.(AU)

Plants of the Cerrado with antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus spp. and Escherichia coli from cattle.

BACKGROUND: Both diarrhea in calves and mastitis in cows limit cattle production. The bacteria involved in these diseases have shown multi-resistance to antimicrobials, however plant metabolites therefore can provide an alternative method of control. This study selected and characterized Cerrado plant extracts showing inhibitory effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus spp. from cattle. Thirteen leaf extracts were initially screened and diameters of inhibition zones produced against the pathogens were recorded using an agar disk diffusion method. Total condensed tannin contents were determined and antibacterial activities were analyzed after tannin removal from the five selected extracts. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) were evaluated by macro-dilution antimicrobial susceptibility tests, and the extracts were characterized by high performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Inter- and intra-specific bacterial variations in the susceptibility to the extracts were detected. The aqueous extract (AE) from Caryocar brasiliense Cambess. leaves produced larger inhibition zones against E. coli strains than did other selected extracts. However, the AE from Schinopsis brasiliensis was the most effective against Staphylococcus spp. strains (P < 0.001). The MIC of ethanolic extracts (EE) from C. brasiliense (0.27 mg/mL) and S. brasiliensis (0.17 mg/mL) were lower than those of other extracts. The MIC and MBC of the Annona crassiflora EE were 6.24 mg/mL for all bacteria. Flavonoids were the main metabolites detected in the A. crassiflora EE as well as in the AE and EE from C. brasiliense, while tannins were the main metabolites in the S. brasiliensis leaf extracts. CONCLUSION: The AE from C. brasiliense was more effective against Gram-negative bacteria, while the AE from S. brasiliensis was more effective against Gram-positive bacteria. A. crassiflora EE and S. brasiliensis extracts are potent bactericide. After removal of the tannins, no antimicrobial effects were observed, indicating that these metabolites are the main active antibacterial components.

Control of Haemonchus contortus in sheep using basidiocarps of Agaricus blazei Murril.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effects in vitro and in vivo of Agaricus blazei against Haemonchus contortus in sheep. METHODS: The in vitro efficacy of aqueous extract on egg hatching inhibition (EHI) was investigated and after 72 h incubation with varying concentrations the effects on, blastomeres, embryonated eggs, and first stage larvae (L1) were evaluated. Larval development inhibition (LDI) for dry powder and the aqueous extract were evaluated in fecal cultures of sheep infected with H. contortus. In vivo efficacy was determined by reduction in fecal egg count (FEC). Lambs were treated with powder A. blazei (11.4 g/kg pc) or trichlorfon, or were untreated and the possible toxicity of this fungus was monitored by plasmatic enzyme analysis. RESULTS: Concentrations equal to and higher than 3.62 mg/mL and of aqueous extract were 100% effective in the EHI test. In the LDI test, LC90 was estimated for 5.66 and 106.0 mg/g fecal culture for aqueous extract and powder, respectively. The mean FEC in lambs 14 days post-treatment with A. blazei powder was significantly lower than observed for the negative control, and the serum levels of aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase were normal. CONCLUSION: The fungi supplementation promotes, respectively, high and moderate anthelmintic efficacy with in vitro and in vivo tests, respectively, suggesting it as an alternative or complementary treatment for haemonchosis in sheep.

Blood parameters of sheep with high infection of Haemonchus contortus and treated with mushroom of the sun (Agaricus blazei) / Parâmetros sanguíneos de ovinos com alta infecção por Haemonchus contortus e tratados com cogumelo do sol (Agaricus blazei)

Blood and parasitological parameters of sheep experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus and treated with “mushroom of the sun” (Agaricus blazei) were assessed. Lambs infected with the nematode were divided into three groups: treated with basidiocarp powder from the fungus, wormed with trichlorfon, and a control group that did not receive anthelmintic. Split-plot design analysis was performed where the treatments were defined as plots and four periods of collection were defined as subplots. Interaction between the treatments and the collection periods for the fecal egg counts per gram of feces (FEC) was observed. Treatment with “mushroom of the sun” showed anthelmintic efficacies ranging from 28.6 to 54.2%. Similar performances to weight gain were observed among the groups. A significant interaction between treatments and evaluation periods was observed for erythrocyte counts, hematocrit value, and serum concentrations of albumin and urea. The values of the mean corpuscular volume, erythrocyte distribution width, and leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and eosinophil counts, as well as the mean platelet volume, varied among the collection days. The administration of “mushroom of the sun” significantly reduced the FEC, did not influence on the erythrocyte count and hematocrit value, which remained within normal limits. However it increased the serum concentrations of albumin.(AU)

Avaliou-se os parâmetros sanguíneos e parasitológicos de ovinos infectados experimentalmente com Haemonchus contortus e tratados com “cogumelo do sol” (Agaricus blazei). Cordeiros infectados com o nematódeo foram distribuídos em três grupos: tratados com pó do basidiocarpo do fungo, vermifugados com triclorfon e grupo controle, que não recebeu anti-helmíntico. Utilizou-se delineamento em parcelas subdivididas, sendo os tratamentos as parcelas e quatro períodos de coletas, as subparcelas. Verificou-se interação dos tratamentos e dos períodos de coleta para o número de ovos por grama de fezes (OPG). O tratamento com “cogumelo do sol” apresentou eficácia anti-helmíntica variando de 28,6% a 54,2%, entretanto o desempenho foi semelhante entre os grupos. Verificou-se interação significativa dos tratamentos e os períodos avaliados para as contagens de eritrócitos, o valor do hematócrito e as concentrações séricas de albumina e ureia. Os valores do volume corpuscular médio, da amplitude de distribuição de eritrócitos, as contagens de leucócitos, neutrófilos, linfócitos, monócitos e eosinófilos, bem como o volume plaquetário médio variaram entre os dias de coleta. A administração do “cogumelo do sol” reduziu o OPG, não influenciou a contagem de eritrócitos e o valor do hematócrito, que estiveram dentro dos limites da normalidade, e aumentou significativamente as concentrações séricas de albumina.(AU)

Effects of aqueous extracts of Caryocar brasiliense in mice / Efeitos de extratos aquosos de Caryocar brasiliense em camundongos

Background: Caryocar brasiliense Cambess (Caryocaraceae) is an arboreal plant native of Brasilian Cerrado and its fruit is an important source of food and income for the human population of this region. In addition to using as food, different parts of this tree have great medicinal potential as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antihelmintic. However, the active metabolites those are likely to confer these pharmacological properties healing may also be toxic dependent upon the dose and route of administration. In this quest, the aim of this study was to assess the acute toxicity of aqueous extracts of fruit peels and leaves of C. brasiliense in mice of both genders. Materials, Methods & Results: The aqueous extracts were obtained by decoction, diluted in water and filtered through membrane. The toxicity of extract of fruit peels (62.5 at 500 mg/kg of body weight (BW) and leaf extract (18.75 mg/kg bw) were evaluated in males and females mice (Mus musculus) Swiss by intraperitoneal route. For 2 control groups were administered injection water. The clinical signs and deaths were recorded up to 14 days after administration. The lethal doses for 10 (LD10) or 50 (LD50) % of population were estimated with Probit regression analysis. The Chi-square test was used to analyze differences of mortality frequencies between males and females. The groups treated with the [...]

Blood parameters of sheep with high infection of Haemonchus contortus and treated with mushroom of the sun (Agaricus blazei) / Parâmetros sanguíneos de ovinos com alta infecção por Haemonchus contortus e tratados com cogumelo do sol (Agaricus blazei)

Blood and parasitological parameters of sheep experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus and treated with “mushroom of the sun” (Agaricus blazei) were assessed. Lambs infected with the nematode were divided into three groups: treated with basidiocarp powder from the fungus, wormed with trichlorfon, and a control group that did not receive anthelmintic. Split-plot design analysis was performed where the treatments were defined as plots and four periods of collection were defined as subplots. Interaction between the treatments and the collection periods for the fecal egg counts per gram of feces (FEC) was observed. Treatment with “mushroom of the sun” showed anthelmintic efficacies ranging from 28.6 to 54.2%. Similar performances to weight gain were observed among the groups. A significant interaction between treatments and evaluation periods was observed for erythrocyte counts, hematocrit value, and serum concentrations of albumin and urea. The values of the mean corpuscular volume, erythrocyte distribution width, and leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and eosinophil counts, as well as the mean platelet volume, varied among the collection days. The administration of “mushroom of the sun” significantly reduced the FEC, did not influence on the erythrocyte count and hematocrit value, which remained within normal limits. However it increased the serum concentrations of albumin.

Avaliou-se os parâmetros sanguíneos e parasitológicos de ovinos infectados experimentalmente com Haemonchus contortus e tratados com “cogumelo do sol” (Agaricus blazei). Cordeiros infectados com o nematódeo foram distribuídos em três grupos: tratados com pó do basidiocarpo do fungo, vermifugados com triclorfon e grupo controle, que não recebeu anti-helmíntico. Utilizou-se delineamento em parcelas subdivididas, sendo os tratamentos as parcelas e quatro períodos de coletas, as subparcelas. Verificou-se interação dos tratamentos e dos períodos de coleta para o número de ovos por grama de fezes (OPG). O tratamento com “cogumelo do sol” apresentou eficácia anti-helmíntica variando de 28,6% a 54,2%, entretanto o desempenho foi semelhante entre os grupos. Verificou-se interação significativa dos tratamentos e os períodos avaliados para as contagens de eritrócitos, o valor do hematócrito e as concentrações séricas de albumina e ureia. Os valores do volume corpuscular médio, da amplitude de distribuição de eritrócitos, as contagens de leucócitos, neutrófilos, linfócitos, monócitos e eosinófilos, bem como o volume plaquetário médio variaram entre os dias de coleta. A administração do “cogumelo do sol” reduziu o OPG, não influenciou a contagem de eritrócitos e o valor do hematócrito, que estiveram dentro dos limites da normalidade, e aumentou significativamente as concentrações séricas de albumina.

Effects of aqueous extracts of Caryocar brasiliense in mice / Efeitos de extratos aquosos de Caryocar brasiliense em camundongos

Background: Caryocar brasiliense Cambess (Caryocaraceae) is an arboreal plant native of Brasilian Cerrado and its fruit is an important source of food and income for the human population of this region. In addition to using as food, different parts of this tree have great medicinal potential as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antihelmintic. However, the active metabolites those are likely to confer these pharmacological properties healing may also be toxic dependent upon the dose and route of administration. In this quest, the aim of this study was to assess the acute toxicity of aqueous extracts of fruit peels and leaves of C. brasiliense in mice of both genders. Materials, Methods & Results: The aqueous extracts were obtained by decoction, diluted in water and filtered through membrane. The toxicity of extract of fruit peels (62.5 at 500 mg/kg of body weight (BW) and leaf extract (18.75 mg/kg bw) were evaluated in males and females mice (Mus musculus) Swiss by intraperitoneal route. For 2 control groups were administered injection water. The clinical signs and deaths were recorded up to 14 days after administration. The lethal doses for 10 (LD10) or 50 (LD50) % of population were estimated with Probit regression analysis. The Chi-square test was used to analyze differences of mortality frequencies between males and females. The groups treated with the [...](AU)

Plants of the Cerrado naturally selected by grazing sheep may have potential for inhibiting development of Haemonchus contortus larva.

Plant species naturally selected by sheep grazing in the Cerrado region of Brazil were assessed in vitro for activity against Haemonchus contortus. One year of observations showed the plant families in the region exhibiting greatest richness to be Fabaceae, Rubiaceae, Malpighiaceae, Bignoniaceae, Myrtaceae, and Annonaceae. Nine species commonly selected by grazing sheep showed variation in the selectivity index with respect to the dry and rainy seasons. Coproculture was conducted in five replicates of 11 treatments: ivermectin, distilled water, or dehydrated leaves of nine selected plant species administered at 333.3 mg g(-1) fecal culture. The dried powder of Piptadenia viridiflora and Ximenia americana leaves significantly reduced the number of infective larvae compared to the distilled water control. These species showed efficacy of over 85 % despite low concentrations of proanthocyanidin. High-performance liquid chromatography analyses of extracts of these plants showed major peaks of UV spectra characteristic of flavonoids. Those naturally selected plant species with high antihelminthic efficacy show promise for use in diet as an alternative control of H. contortus in sheep.

In vitro efficacy of aqueous plants extracts in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes of cattle / Eficácia in vitro de extratos aquosos de plantas no controle de nematódeos gastrintestinais de bovinos

Background: Gastrointestinal helminthes in cattle had prejudge performance and productivity of animals. Affect beef cattleand dairy, generating huge economic losses. Commercial anthelmintics have been administered improperly, promotingthe selection of resistant populations, in addition to increasing production costs and waste accumulate in animal productsand the environment. It is therefore of great importance to find new alternatives as control. In this quest, was aimed withthis study to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of plant aqueous extracts in the inhibition of larval development assay (ILDA)and inhibition of hatchability assay (IHA) of gastrointestinal nematodes of cattle.Materials, Methods & Results: The ILDA was performed by quantitative coproculture , with aqueous extracts of the leavesof Acrocomia aculeata, Anacardium occidentale, Caryocar brasiliense, Cymbopogon citratus, Mangifera indica var. Ubáand Musa spp. cv. Prata-anã on the concentration of 100 mg/mL. In the IHA was evaluated the aqueous extracts of leavesand fruit peels of C. brasiliense, at the concentrations 15.00, 7.50, 3.75 and 1.88 mg/mL. The controls of assays wereivermectin (16 μg/mL) and levamisole phosphate solution (15 mg/ml), respectively, and water in both tests. Efficiencieswere calculated and count data submitted to analysis of variance and the means were compared by Tukey test (P < 0.01).With the probit regression analysis, we determined the lethal concentration for inhibition of 50 and 90% hatchability (LC50and LC90). Still, the levels of condensed tannins from aqueous extracts of the leaves and fruit peels of C. brasiliense werequantified. In ILDA, the extract of C. brasiliense showed efficacy of 91.29% and did not differ from ivermectin (P < 0.01).The other extracts did not obtain satisfactory efficacy and were similar to water (P < 0.01). In IHA the efficacy was over...

In vitro efficacy of aqueous plants extracts in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes of cattle / Eficácia in vitro de extratos aquosos de plantas no controle de nematódeos gastrintestinais de bovinos

Background: Gastrointestinal helminthes in cattle had prejudge performance and productivity of animals. Affect beef cattleand dairy, generating huge economic losses. Commercial anthelmintics have been administered improperly, promotingthe selection of resistant populations, in addition to increasing production costs and waste accumulate in animal productsand the environment. It is therefore of great importance to find new alternatives as control. In this quest, was aimed withthis study to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of plant aqueous extracts in the inhibition of larval development assay (ILDA)and inhibition of hatchability assay (IHA) of gastrointestinal nematodes of cattle.Materials, Methods & Results: The ILDA was performed by quantitative coproculture , with aqueous extracts of the leavesof Acrocomia aculeata, Anacardium occidentale, Caryocar brasiliense, Cymbopogon citratus, Mangifera indica var. Ubáand Musa spp. cv. Prata-anã on the concentration of 100 mg/mL. In the IHA was evaluated the aqueous extracts of leavesand fruit peels of C. brasiliense, at the concentrations 15.00, 7.50, 3.75 and 1.88 mg/mL. The controls of assays wereivermectin (16 μg/mL) and levamisole phosphate solution (15 mg/ml), respectively, and water in both tests. Efficiencieswere calculated and count data submitted to analysis of variance and the means were compared by Tukey test (P < 0.01).With the probit regression analysis, we determined the lethal concentration for inhibition of 50 and 90% hatchability (LC50and LC90). Still, the levels of condensed tannins from aqueous extracts of the leaves and fruit peels of C. brasiliense werequantified. In ILDA, the extract of C. brasiliense showed efficacy of 91.29% and did not differ from ivermectin (P < 0.01).The other extracts did not obtain satisfactory efficacy and were similar to water (P < 0.01). In IHA the efficacy was over...(AU)