Use of garlic in parasite management: results of in vitro examinations

Due to the increase in parasite resistance, research on the utility of herbs for parasite regulation was conducted [1]. Garlic is used in many herb mixtures. Anthelmintic effects of garlic have been described [2].The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two garlic formulations, i.e. garlic dragee (GD) and fresh garlic extract (GE), at three dilution levels (0%, 10%, 20%) on the exsheathment of parasitic third stage larvae. GDs were sourced from the local pharmacy. The content of one GD was solved in 10 mg water. GE was prepared by cooking 75 g of crushed fresh garlic with 125 g water over 5 minutes (the content of GD corresponded to 6 g of fresh garlic according to the leaflet information). The parasitic larvae were extracted from faeces of pastured goats after incubation of the feces at 28 °C for 10 days. Purified third larvae were incubated with GD, GE, tetramisole hydrochloride (positive control) and water (negative control) for 3 hours at room temperature. The rates of exsheathment were counted 20, 40, 60 and 80 minutes after starting the exsheathment process with diluted sodium hypochlorite. Significantly lower exsheathment rates were registered for GD and GE in the 0% (5,7; 1,1) and 10% (55,8; 6,2) but not in the 20% dilution (57,5; 19,5). Although the in vitro examination showed dilution dependent effects of garlic solutions on the exsheathment of parasite larvae, further studies are necessary to find effective dosages when feeding herbal mixtures in small ruminants.

• References

• 1 Podstatzky L. Evaluierung von drei Kräutermischungen im Hinblick auf Gewichtsentwicklung, Kokzidien- und Eiausscheidung bei Schaflämmern, weidenden Schafen sowie Milchziegen. Tierärztl. Umschau 2013; 68: 108-115
• 2 Aichberger L, Bizaj M, Fritsc F, Gansinger D, Hagmüller W, Hahn I. et al. Kräuter für Nutz- und Heimtiere. Ratgeber für die Anwendung ausgewählter Heil- und Gewürzpflanzen. Eigenverlag; 2006: 72-73