Regulation of the Apoptotic Modulatory Pathway During Eimeriosis by Cassia alata Extract.

Abstract

Coccidiosis, induced by Eimeria species, is a parasitic disease that impacts the intestines of animals, resulting in gastrointestinal damage, poor health, and significant economic losses in the livestock and poultry sectors. The use of traditional anticoccidial drugs presents challenges such as toxicity, drug resistance, and food contamination, prompting the search for safer alternatives. Cassia alata, a plant recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has a potential natural treatment for coccidiosis. This study involved infection of mice with Eimeria papillata to assess the efficacy of C. alata leaf extract (CALE). A methanolic extract of C. alata was analyzed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and tested its efficacy in 35 mice across seven groups, including controls and those treated with various dosages (125, 250, or 500 mg/kg BW) or amprolium. The study evaluated treatment success by quantifying fecal oocyst shedding, examining jejunal histology, measuring glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, and analyzing Caspase 3 protein and gene expression to assess host cell apoptosis. The results indicated that CALE had 14 phytochemical compounds. CALE led to significant morphometric reduction in the parasitic stages, compared to untreated infected mice. The 500 mg/kg BW dose of CALE was particularly effective in lowering fecal oocyst output. Additionally, GPx levels increased in mice treated with CALE and amprolium, while, caspase-3 immunoreactivity and gene expression were significantly reduced in CALE-treated mice. This study suggests that C. alata extract could effectively modulate apoptotic pathways, offering a promising natural solution for managing eimeriosis and enhancing host health.