title: Efficacy of crude neem seed kernel extracts against natural infestation of Sarcoptes scabiei var. ovis.
abstract: This study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of crude aqueous-methanol and aqueous extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica) seed kernel against sarcoptic mange of sheep. Crude aqueous-methanol (AME) and aqueous extracts (AE) of neem seed kernel (NSK) were prepared and formulated as 10% and 20% ointments (w/w), using Vaseline as vehicle. Forty-two lambs of Pak Karakul breed, having natural infection of sarcoptic mange were divided into seven experimental groups. Skin scrapings and clinical examination were carried out at scheduled intervals after treatment. Ivermectin (positive control) completely cleared infesting mites from animals after 10 days and 20% AME after 16 days. While, clinical mange was completely cured after 16 and 20 days with ivermectin and 20% AME, respectively, under field conditions. Only the higher concentration (20% AME) of NSK extracts completely cured the clinical mange, suggesting a dose-dependent response. Our results consolidate the belief that use of folk remedies can provide an effective and economic way of combating sarcoptic mange in sheep.
authors.affiliation: Chemotherapy Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Parasitology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Shahid Maqsood
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Tabassam
authors.forename: Zafar
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Iqbal
authors.forename: Abdul
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jabbar
authors.forename: Zia-ud-Din
authors.initials: ZU
authors.lastname: Sindhu
authors.forename: Amjad Iqbal
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Chattha
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D000977:Antiparasitic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D031601:Azadirachta / Q000737:chemistry*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D007559:Ivermectin / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009824:Ointments; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011897:Random Allocation; D012520:Sarcoptes scabiei / Q000187:drug effects*; D012532:Scabies / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000662:veterinary; D012639:Seeds; D012756:Sheep; D012757:Sheep Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000977:Antiparasitic Agents; D009824:Ointments; D010936:Plant Extracts; D007559:Ivermectin