Abstract:
Studies were carried out to establish ethno-botanical information and biological
activities of crude extracts from Commiphora swynnertonii against selected microbes of
veterinary importance in chickens. Initially, a questionnaire survey was conducted to
gather information on practices and knowledge on ethno-botanical uses of C.
swynnertonii in the study area. Then extracts from different morphological parts of the
study plant were tested against selected bacteria and fungi in vitro using agar well
diffusion assay. Resin and root bark extracts showed significant activities (P < 0.001)
against S. pyogenes, E. coli and B. subtilis compared to other extracts. The fungi, C.
albicans and A. niger, were moderately inhibited. Antiviral activity of the resin and root
bark extract was tested in ovo using embryonated chicken eggs inoculated with
Newcastle disease virus (NDV). Both extracts significantly (P < 0.001) and effectively
reduced virus titres. An animal trial was carried out using the resin and chickens
experimentally infected with NDV. Results revealed significant reduction (P < 0.05) in
clinical signs and mortality rates following administration of the resin before and after
the infection. Prophylactic administration of the extract was found to be more effective
than the therapeutic approach. HI titres decreased significantly (P < 0.001) in resin and
root bark treated groups and in all chickens treated with resin irrespective of dose given
and on whether the extract was administered before or after infection suggesting that the
plant materials were capable of destroying the NDV before stimulating the developing
chick‘s immunity. Another animal trial investigated the effect of the resin against experimental coccidiosis in chickens. Results showed that oral administration of the
resin significantly (P < 0.001) reduced mortality rate. Safety margin of the resin was also
investigated by determining its effects on selected physiological and biochemical
parameters in chickens. The results revealed a good margin of safety provided that the
dosage ranges between 200 to 800 mg resin/kg body weights. A phytochemical study
was also carried to determine major bioactive compounds in the resin and root bark
extracts. With these studies, it is concluded that extracts from C. swynnertonii especially
resin, has significant antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anticoccidial effect against
the selected microbes. Further research is required to test and validate the extract against
other pathogens of medical and veterinary importance.
