IOSR Journal of Polymer and Textile Engineering (IOSR-JPTE) e-ISSN: 2348-019X, p-ISSN: 2348-0181, Volume 2, Issue 1 (Jan - Feb. 2015), PP 06-10 www.iosrjournals.org DOI: 10.9790/019X-0210610 www.iosrjournals.org 6 | Page In-vivo anthelmintic evaluation of a processed herbal drug from Entada leptostachya (Harms) and Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) (DC) against gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep Jackson Mutembei 1 , Patrick Kareru 1 , Francis Njonge 2 , Githira Peter 1 , Hellen Kutima 3 , Joseph Karanja 1 , David Kimani 1 1 Department of Chemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya 2 Department of Land Resource, Planning and Management, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya 3 Department of Zoology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya Abstract: In vivo anthelmintic activity of a herbal drug processed through spray-drying from Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC) and Entada leptostachya (Harms) against gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep is described and reported for the first time in this work. Maximum percent egg count reduction (%ECR) of 80.95% in egg per gram of faeces (EPG) on day 11 post-treatment (PT) was recorded in sheep treated with a dose of 250 mg/kg b.w. of the herbal drug mixture. This was followed by a reduction (P≤0.05) of the same dose treatment (59.80%) on day 8 PT. The positive control exhibited the highest egg count reduction (P˂0.01) with an EPG of 88.31% on day 14 PT (P≤0.05). It was found that the herbal drug had a comparable anthelmintic activity with the conventional anthelmintic drug, Nilzan (1.5% Levamisole HCl). Although the herbal drug had a far much higher concentration than 1.5% Levamisole HCl (5.0 mg/Kg b.w.), the difference in activity could be attributed to high purity of Levamisole. Phytochemical analysis of the herbal drug revealed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, phenolic compounds and tannins, flavonoids and saponins. It was concluded that the processed herbal drug mixture had appreciable anthelmintic activity and could therefore be used as an alternative dewormer in livestock. Keywords: Anthelmintic resistance, gastrointestinal nematodes, herbal drug processing, phytochemicals I. Introduction Helminth control in domestic animals is widely based on the use of synthetics anthelmintics [1, 2]. However, the current efficacy of these drugs has been reduced because of development of resistant nematode strains [3, 4]. Furthermore, the high cost of these drugs, chemical residual concern in animal products and environmental pollution have awaken interest in medicinal plants as an alternative source of anthelmintic drugs [5]. Animal diseases are a major constraint to livestock production in Kenya [6, 7]. Prevention and control of animal diseases therefore have been of critical concern in Kenya like in other African countries. Natural plant-derived products have been known for many decades to possess anthelmintic properties and yet generally these have been inadequately researched and none have been taken to the market stage. Cysteine proteinases found in fruits such as papaya (Carica papaya), figs (Ficus spp.) and pineapple (Ananas comosus) for example have been demonstrated to damage intestinal nematodes of rodents targeting the cuticle which at first blisters, and then is disrupted and weakened sufficiently to enable the internal hydrostatic pressure to rupture the body wall and result in the disintegration of the worms [8]. Use of plant extracts has advantages that make them attractive for use in developing countries such as low cost, access to large amounts of raw material and easy integration into traditional cultural practice. However, scientific validation of these traditional treatments lacks [9]. Most studies that have investigated the anthelmintic potential of traditional medicinal plants focuses on crude extracts from a limited selection of plants, with only a summary analysis of the chemical constituents, and no further investigation of the active compounds [10]. Thus, there is a need for more systematic studies to identify and validate the use of plants as anthelmintics. Entada leptostachya is a climbing shrub or tree. It is widely distributed in arid and semi-arid areas of Mbeere, Embu, Kamba and Tharaka communities of Kenya. Its roots used together with the roots of Hamsonia abyssinica result into a mixture which is used as a treatment against tuberculosis and for relief from chest pains [11, 12]. Powder made from its roots extracts exhibit high activities of anthelmintic properties. In-vitro anthelmintic evaluation of methanolic extract of E. lepostachya was found to be effective against Haemonchus contortus adult worms [13]. Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC on the other hand is an evergreen tree with a large crown and an open canopy, growing to a height of 5-10 m. The plant is native to South America, Central America and the