In-vivo anthelmintic potential of Artemisia maritima and its effects on haematological parameters in sheep of Kashmir.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the population structure of gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes in sheep of Kashmir and evaluate the in-vivo anthelmintic efficacy of Artemisia maritima powder, along with its effects on selected haematological parameters, in comparison with fenbendazole. Naturally infected sheep were allocated to treatment groups receiving fenbendazole (5 mg/kg body weight) or dried powdered aerial parts of A.maritima administered orally at doses of 1, 2, and 3 g/kg body weight. The plant material was shade-dried, pulverized into a fine powder, and administered directly without solvent extraction. Anthelmintic efficacy was evaluated using faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT), and haematological parameters were monitored before and after treatment. A total of 180 faecal samples were collected from sheep farms in Ganderbal district, Kashmir, to determine the infection with and species composition of GI nematodes using faecal examination and coproculture techniques. For the in-vivo trial, 50 naturally infected sheep (EPG >150) were randomly divided into five groups: three groups treated orally with A. maritima powder at 1, 2 and 3 g/kg body weight, one group treated with fenbendazole (5 mg/kg), and one was kept as untreated infected control. Faecal egg counts were recorded on days 0, 3, 7, 10, 14 and 21 post-treatments, and efficacy was assessed using the faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT). Haematological parameters were evaluated on days 0, 7, 14 and 21 post-treatments. Data were analyzed using one-way and repeated-measures ANOVA. Out of 180 samples, 72.20% were positive for strongyle eggs. Coproculture revealed Haemonchus spp. (56%) as the predominant nematode, followed by Trichostrongylus, Ostertagia, Chabertia, Bunostomum and Oesophagostomum spp. A. maritima produced a dose and time-dependent reduction in faecal egg counts, with maximum FECR of 70.40% at 3 g/kg body weight on day 21 post-treatment, compared to 85.81% in the fenbendazole-treated group. Treated sheep showed significant improvements in haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume and total erythrocyte count, together with reductions in total leukocyte count and eosinophil percentage, whereas untreated controls exhibited progressive anaemia and leucocytosis. The findings demonstrate that A. maritima powder exhibits significant in-vivo anthelmintic activity against mixed gastrointestinal nematode infections in sheep, accompanied by marked improvement in haematological parameters. Although less effective than fenbendazole, A. maritima shows promise as a natural, plant-based alternative anthelmintic, particularly in the context of rising drug resistance. Further studies involving phytochemical characterization, dose optimization, safety evaluation and large scale validation are warranted to confirm its therapeutic potential and elucidate its mechanism of action.