Methods for evaluating efficacy of ethnoveterinary medicinal plant

(by LJ Mac Gaw and JN Eloff, edited by D. Katerere and D. Luseba.)

Interdisciplinary science, the veterinary ethno medicine is based on the traditional therapy of animals by medicinal plants. Indeed, saponins, flavonoids and other active molecules contained in the plant extracts demonstrated theirs interests for health and animal productions. 

In the first part of this work, L.J. McGaw and J.N. Eloff, South African researchers, expose various valuation methods of biological and pharmacological properties of plant extracts.

Their antibacterial and antifungal potential can be meas-ured with the determination of the MIC, by depositing the extract on disks or directly in the culture medium. The anti-protozoa activity can be studied by a cellular culture with chromogen compounds sensitive to organism growth or inhibition. For example, the extracts of Trigonella (fenugreek) and Yucca schidigera (Yucca), represent an interesting way to fight against Eimeria, coccidiosis agent in poultry, rabbits and ruminants.

To evaluate the antioxidant capacity of a plant extract, the TEAC method allows a comparison with a vitamin E analogue, then used as reference.

The knowledge of plants and the valuation of theirs potentials allow to rationalize their use to improve performances, the well-being of breeding animals and to reduce the impact of breedings on environment.