An Inventory of the Plants Used for Parasitic Ailments of Animals

This study was conducted to document the botanicals used for major parasitic ailments of animals in Bhakkar District of Pakistan. Rapid Rural Appraisal was carried out to identify the key respondents (n=115) including local healers, quacks, herders and farmers for the present study. Information was collected using a predesigned questionnaire and verified through focused group discussions throughparticipatory rural appraisal technique. Gastrointestinal parasites were the most frequently (n=105/115; 91%) reported problem of livestock followed by tick infestation (n=91/115; 79%) and myiasis (n=84/115; 73%). A total of 69 prescriptions based on 30 plants including 32 for GI parasites, 16 for tick infestation and 21 for myiasis were documented. There were some plants which were reported to be used with a different dose, method of preparation and/or vehicle within the same or a different parasitic condition. Leaves, seeds and/or seed oil and fruit were the most commonly used parts of the plants. The plant materials were given orally in crude form as powder, oil and decoction, and topical application as powder, sprinkling, bath, washing and paste. Plants documented in the present study were new to the area but have already been reported elsewhere for different ailments of animals. Majority of the plants, however, need to be evaluated using standard parasitological procedures to validate their use as anti-parasitics.