Comparison of in vivo anthelmintic efficacy of Artemisia absinthium extract and albendazole in Awassi breed sheep with natural gastrointestinal nematode infection

Abstract

Abstract This study was conducted to determine the in vivo anthelmintic efficacy and clinical safety of crude ethanolic extract (CEE) obtained from Artemisia absinthium in naturally infected Awassi breed sheep with gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN). A total of 18 non-pregnant sheep were divided into 3 groups of 6 animals each: CEE (1.0 g/kg), albendazole (5 mg/kg), and negative control (untreated). Changes in egg counts (EPG) were quantitatively monitored in faecal samples collected before treatment (day 0) and after treatment (days 7 and 15). The research findings showed that A. absinthium CEE significantly reduced the parasite load over time, with the highest efficacy achieved on day 15 (p < 0.001), demonstrating statistically significant efficacy in suppressing the fecundity of GIN agents. According to the faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT), therapeutic success was observed in 76.77% of the CEE group and 100% of the albendazole group. The performance demonstrated by CEE confirmed the potential of plant secondary metabolites to reduce dependence on synthetic drugs, and the absence of any adverse effects during the trial period demonstrated the plant’s high biosafety profile. Consequently, A. absinthium offers a powerful, economical, and residue-free biotherapeutic alternative to synthetic anthelmintics in sustainable and organic livestock models, countering global anthelmintic resistance. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first investigation in Türkiye evaluating the anthelmintic efficacy of A. absinthium CEE in Awassi breed sheep naturally infected with GIN, providing the first regional efficacy data from Şanlıurfa.