Studies on immunomodulatory and therapeutic efficacy of a combination of garlic, turmeric and neem on endometritis in repeat breeding crossbred cows

This study was designed to investigate the immunomodulatory and therapeutic efficacy of a combination of garlic, turmeric and neem on endometritis in repeat breeding crossbred cows. Twenty four repeat breeding crossbred cows were selected on the basis of history, breeding records, per rectal examinations of genitalia and white side test. All the animals were randomly divided into 3 groups viz; Group A: 30 ml normal saline; Group B: 30 ml Ciprofloxacin; Group C: 30 ml hydro-alcoholic extract of garlic, turmeric and neem. All the treatments were given intrauterine beginning on the day of estrus and continued for seven days in each group. Cervical mucus, blood and uterine flushing samples were collected at different intervals for appearance, pH, white side test and bacterial load, blood glucose, haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total leukocyte count (TLC), differential leukocyte count (DLC), total protein, immunoglobulin and polymorph nuclear cells (PMNs). At subsequent standing estrus following treatment, all cows were artificially inseminated twice using deep frozen semen at 12 hours interval. Pregnancy was confirmed perrectally on 45-60 days after insemination. Significant (p<0.05) decline in pH and bacterial load was observed in cervical mucus of all groups after treatment. Values of Hb, PCV, RBC, lymphocyte, nutrophils and glucose in blood samples were increased significantly (p<0.05) in group C. Similarly a significant (p<0.05) rise was found in TLC, PMN serum, total proteins and immunoglobulin concentration in uterine flushing samples of group C. Based on these results, it may be concluded that hydro-alcoholic extract of garlic, turmeric and neem combination has a good antibacterial and immunomodulatory property and can be used as a therapy for endometritis in repeat breeding crossbred cows.