# Anthelmintic Effect of Chitosan‐Encapsulated Bromelain on Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Naturally Infected Goats in Kenya

## TL;DR

This study tested a new treatment using chitosan-encapsulated bromelain to reduce gut worms in goats, finding it effective and safe.

## Contribution

A novel oral formulation of bromelain encapsulated in chitosan is proposed as a safe and effective anthelmintic for goats.

## Key findings

- The 270 mg/kg EB group reduced fecal egg counts by 81.73%, close to the 98.58% reduction by albendazole.
- No clinical toxicity or organ damage was observed in goats treated with EB.
- EB showed efficacy and safety, suggesting potential as an alternative to conventional anthelmintics.

## Abstract

The emergence of anthelmintic resistance calls for the development of alternatives, including medicinal plant extracts. The present study was aimed at assessing the efficacy of chitosan‐encapsulated bromelain (EB) as an oral solution drug against GIN in goats. Standard methods were followed to extract bromelain from the pineapple peels and the conventional manufacturing procedure used to make an oral solution of EB. The in vivo study was performed on 20 healthy male goats that were naturally infected with GIN. The goats were randomly divided into four groups, each of which consisted of three treatment groups: 90 and 270 mg/kg EB, 7.5 mg/kg albendazole, and negative control. The oral solution of EB was administered orally once daily for a period of 3 days. The fecal egg counts (FECs) were undertaken using a McMaster technique. The goats were monitored for clinical signs on a daily basis, and their body weight was reported on a weekly basis. Weekly blood samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of packed cell volume (PCV), aspartate aminotransferases (ASTs), alanine aminotransferases (ALTs), urea, and creatinine. The goats were sacrificed and assessed for gross and histopathology analyses. The results showed that at 28 days′ posttreatment there was a significantly higher reduction of FEC of albendazole (98.58%) and 270 mg/kg (81.73%) groups than 90 mg/kg (59.84%). No clinical manifestations or mortality were observed in the goats during the monitoring period. All animals exhibited normal levels of PCV, AST, ALT, creatinine, and urea. The pathology findings also revealed no toxic effects on the goat organs. In conclusion, the oral solution of EB was effective in reducing the GIN burden and safe for use in goats. Further investigations are essential to establish better formulation and adjusting the dosage regimens to increase the efficacy on GIN.