Antiparasitic Tannin-Rich Plants from the South of Europe for Grazing Livestock: A Review

Abstract

Internal parasites are one of the main causes of health threats in livestock production, especially in extensive livestock farming. Despite the environmental toxic effects (loss of dung beetles, biodiversity, and other issues) and resistance phenomenon derived from their prolonged use, anti-parasitic chemical pharmaceuticals are frequently used, even in organic farming. Such a situation within the context of climate change requires urgent exploration of alternative compounds to solve these problems and apparent conflicts between organic farming objectives regarding the environment, public health, and animal health. This review is focused on some plants (Artemisia spp., Cichorium intybus L., Ericaceae family, Hedysarum coronarium L., Lotus spp., Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) that are well known for their antiparasitic effect, are voluntarily grazed and ingested, and can be spontaneously found or cultivated in southern Europe and other regions with a Mediterranean climate. The differences found between effectiveness, parasite species affected, in vitro/in vivo experiments, and active compounds are explored. A total of 87 papers where antiparasitic activity of those plants have been studied are included in this review; 75% studied the effect on ruminant parasites, where gastrointestinal nematodes were the parasite group most studied (70%), and these included natural (31%) and experimental (37%) infections.

Willow (Salix acmophylla Boiss.) Leaf and Branch Extracts Inhibit In Vitro Sporulation of Coccidia (Eimeria spp.) from Goats

“…Coccidiosis poses a tremendous burden in modern animal farming as it lowers the productivity of animals, which in turn ultimately increases the economic burden on the farmers [46]. Botanical formulations of various plants and plant parts containing flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, terpenes, sulfur compounds, and others were proven effective against ruminant coccidiosis-causing agents [47][48][49]. The antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory activity of these formulations can suppress or down-regulate development of Eimeria [48,49].…”

“…Botanical formulations of various plants and plant parts containing flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, terpenes, sulfur compounds, and others were proven effective against ruminant coccidiosis-causing agents [47][48][49]. The antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory activity of these formulations can suppress or down-regulate development of Eimeria [48,49]. For further progress in the treatment of protozoal diseases like coccidiosis, medicinal plants that possess therapeutic potential should be sought out and investigated for their antiprotozoan activity [50].…”

Anthelmintic Activity of Tanacetum vulgare L. (Leaf and Flower) Extracts against Trichostrongylidae Nematodes in Sheep In Vitro

“…These compounds are formed in different parts of plants, such as the root, stem, leaves, fruits, and flowers, and their concentration in these parts can vary [ 25 ]. The variation depends on many different factors: soil, climate, season, plant development stage, and others [ 26 , 27 ]. Each plant also contains a different combination of these components.…”

“…Two variations still exist regarding the effect of tannin on parasites. First, they form complexes with proteins, thus interfering with the feeding and movement function of the parasite; second, it has a positive effect on the animal`s immune system [ 24 , 27 , 35 ]. Other positive effects of using plants containing condensed tannins in animals are often described; they act on production quality and quantity (wool, milk, meat), and reproductions [ 36 ].…”

Botanicals: A promising approach for controlling cecal coccidiosis in poultry

“…Tannins are also antioxidants and reduce oxidative stress, a condition commonly associated with numerous diseases, especially cecal coccidiosis ( 21 , 215 ). Numerous tanniferous plants have been used to control coccidiosis ( 30 , 216 – 222 ). The efficacy of these plants in controlling cecal coccidiosis can be attributed to their immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and direct anticoccidial activities ( 187 , 222 – 225 ).…”