Veterinary Archives, Vol. 79 No. 1, 2009.
Original scientific paper
The inhibitory response of Azadirachta indica extract on nitric oxide production by milk leukocytes during clinical mastitis
Ujjwal Kumar De
; Division of Biological Products, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
Reena Mukherjee
; Preventive Medicine Laboratory, Division of Medicine, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
Abstract
The somatic cell count (SCC), total bacterial count (TBC), differential leukocyte count (DLC) of milk and production of nitrite plus nitrate (NOx) by milk cells in response to hydro-methanolic extract of A. indica was evaluated against bovine mastitis. Thirty six lactating cows were selected and divided into four equal groups. Groups I and II consisted of 18 cows selected on the basis of somatic cell count (SCC) <0.5 million/mL of milk, and out of the 18 cows, 9 cows served as the normal healthy control and 9 healthy cows served as drug (herb) control. Eighteen cows, in groups III and IV, positive for intramammary infection (IMI) showing SCC >4.5 million cells / mL of milk, were taken for the drug trial. The cows of group II and III received 700 mg sterile hydro-methanolic extract of A. indica by the intramammary route twice daily for 7 days. Cows in group IV positive for IMI were left as the untreated control. Observations were made up to 15 days post treatment (PT) for changes in SCC and TBC. The SCC and TBC reduced signifi cantly (P<0.05) as early as on day 3 in group III cows. Milk DLC and NOx production by milk cells were studied just prior to treatment and on day 5. In the present study the lymphocyte % in milk enhanced signifi cantly (P<0.05) in group III cows on day 5 PT, however the neutrophil % and NOx production by milk cells decreased signifi cantly (P<0.05) in group III cows on day 5, whereas no signifi cant changes in the SCC, TBC, NOx and milk DLC were observed in group IV cows in
the post therapeutic period. The results suggest the anti infl ammatory, antibacterial potential of the herb, which activities could be due to the presence of bio-active principles that are anti-infl ammatory and antibacterial in nature. The present study therefore emphasizes the use of A. indica as an anti-infl ammatory and antibacterial drug against bovine mastitis. This is a preliminary trial indicating benefi cial effect of the herb against IMI; it can be developed as an alternative therapy against bovine mastitis.
Keywords
anti-inflammatory; Azadirachta indica; mastitis; nitric oxide; somatic cells
Hrčak ID:
32937
URI
Publication date:
24.2.2009.
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