Efficacy of Vitis vinifera Leaves Extracts against Eimeria stiedae Infections in New Zealand Rabbit

Coccidiosis is considered one of the most serious diseases affecting rabbits and various other animal species, leading to substantial economic losses worldwide. Plant-derived extracts have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional chemotherapeutic agents, particularly in light of increasing drug resistance, as well as their advantage of not causing harmful tissue residues.

This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of Vitis vinifera leaf extract (VVLE) against Eimeria stiedae in rabbits. The extract was subjected to phytochemical analysis by GC-MS, revealing the existence of 34 biologically active compounds. A total of 35 male New Zealand rabbits were divided into seven groups. Group 1 served as the uninfected, untreated (negative control) group. Group 2 uninfected and treated at 400 mg/kg of extract to test for toxicity. Group 3 represented the infected, non-treated (positive control) group. While, groups 4, 5 and 6 comprised infected treated with at 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of extracts, respectively. Finally, group 7 consisted of infected rabbits treated with Toltrazuril at a dosage of 5 mg/kg.

The findings indicate that 400 mg/kg concentration of VVLE has a significant protective effect against Eimeria stiedae. It relieves clinical symptoms, reduces oocyst production, improves biochemical parameters and decreases the level of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) in the liver of Eimeria stiedae-infected rabbits. This refers to the effectiveness of Vitis vinifera leaf extracts (VVLE) against coccidiosis. Further investigations are needed to identify the pharmacological ingredients responsible for these effects and their potential as a natural alternative for coccidia prevention in animal feed.