Mabiki, F. P.; Mdegela, R. H.; Mosha, R. D.; Magadula, J. J.
Description:
The effect of crude extracts from different morphological parts of Synadenium glaucescens against
infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) and fowlpox (FP) virus using an in ovo assay were investigated.
Viable 9 days embryonated chicken eggs were challenged with viral strains then treated with S.
glaucescens extracts at concentration of 0.2 mg/ml. Un-inoculated group were saved as negative
control and groups inoculated with virus and diluent saved as positive controls. The treatments were
observed daily and embryo weights were measured 5 days post-inoculation. Embryo survival and mean
embryo weight were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.001) in groups treated with S. glaucescens extracts than
the positive control. More than 50% of the extract prevented death and deformation of embryo and
formation of pock lesions in embryos. Furthermore, the treatments with ethanolic extract of the root
bark demonstrated significantly higher mean embryo weight compared to other extract for both viruses
(P ≤ 0.001). The mean embryo weights from eggs challenged with infectious bursal disease virus and
fowlpox virus treated with the extract were 6.3 ± 2 and 5.9 ± 0.5 g, respectively. These findings
demonstrate potential and feasibility of using S. glaucescens extracts for treatment of the viral
diseases. Furthermore, it validates the ethnoveterinary exploitation at community level.