Authors: Arfuso Francesca, Bazzano Marilena, Brianti Emanuele, Gaglio Gabriella, Passantino Annamaria, Tesei Beniamino, Laus Fulvio
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary With anthelmintic resistance becoming increasingly problematic and regulatory pressure mounting on drug use in food-producing animals, there is genuine clinical need for effective alternative parasite control strategies in equine species. Researchers administered a herbal formulation (Paraxitebio®) containing five plant-derived compounds to 22 young Ragusana donkeys across two doses, 14 days apart, measuring faecal egg counts and haematological parameters over a 28-day period against an untreated control group. The treatment group achieved a 56.9% reduction in fecal egg count by day 28, with significantly lower egg counts compared to controls, though interestingly faecal egg output initially increased at day 7 before declining. Beyond parasite control, treated animals showed improved haematological profiles, including favourable changes in red blood cell parameters, haemoglobin, white blood cell counts, and eosinophil levels—all remaining within normal physiological ranges and suggesting the supplement was well-tolerated. Whilst these results are encouraging for practitioners seeking non-chemical parasite management options on donkey farms, the modest efficacy, limited understanding of the mechanism of action, and need for larger-scale validation mean phytotherapic supplements are better viewed as part of an integrated control strategy rather than replacements for conventional anthelmintics, particularly until we understand why faecal egg counts initially spike before improving.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •This herbal supplement shows promise as part of a multi-modal parasite control strategy, particularly useful where anthelmintic resistance is problematic
- •Expect a lag period of ~2 weeks before efficacy is evident—EPG may initially increase before declining
- •Consider incorporating this approach into integrated parasite management on dairy donkey farms, but continue monitoring efficacy as further research is needed on mechanism of action
Key Findings
- •Phytotherapic formulation (Paraxitebio®) reduced fecal egg count by 56.9% at 28 days post-treatment in treated donkeys versus controls
- •Initial rise in EPG observed at day 7, followed by significant decrease by day 28 in treatment group
- •Hematological parameters remained within normal ranges, with treatment group showing improvements in RBC, hemoglobin, MCHC, MCV, WBC, eosinophils, and basophils
- •Formulation demonstrated safety profile with no adverse effects on donkey health parameters