The field efficacy of Nigella sativa and Berberis vulgaris methanolic extracts against Haemoproteus columbae

The methanolic extracts of Nigella sativaL. seeds (MENS) and Berberis vulgaris L.(MEBV) were investigated for treatment of Haemoproteus columbae-infected pigeons (Columba livia domestica).
One hundred twenty naturally-infected pigeons were randomly divided into four groups of thirty each. Two groups were treated separately with the extracts, while the positive and negative control groups were given buparvaquone (Butalex®) and distilled water, respectively. The parasitaemia rate was calculated in all groups before and after the experiment at four-day intervals for16 days.
The results showed a high therapeutic effect for MENS with a progressive decrease in average parasitaemia rate from 18.17% before treatment to 0.73% at the end of treatment (p0.05).
Methanolic extracts of N. sativa showed therapeutic effects against H. columbae and may be regarded as a suitable choice for further studies to develop new drugs against blood parasites, in both animals and human beings.