Abstract

Background:
The roots of Saussurea costus have been used in traditional medicine for their effectiveness in treating various ailments. Potassium permanganate (KMnO4) is an effective oxidizing agent commonly used in poultry farms to sterilize water distribution systems by decomposing organic materials in water.

Aim:
This study aimed to compare the effects of a mixture of ethanolic extract of S. costus and potassium permanganate on Eimeria infection in chickens in mitigating their negative effects.

Methods:
A total of 24 Leghorn chickens naturally infected with coccidia were divided into four groups of six birds each. One group served as a positive control and received only the standard ration, while two groups were evaluated for both KMnO4 (0.01 mg/l) and the ethanolic extract of S. costus (0.5 and 1 ml) (0.25 g/ml). One group received only KMnO4 (0.01 mg/l) once a day for 4 weeks. Before treatment, Eimeria oocysts researchers detected by direct and flotation tests as well as physiological parameters.

Results:
The findings showed a reduction in the number of Eimeria oocysts along with the blood parameters examined (including red blood cells, white blood cells, monocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes) and biochemical markers such as amylase and lactate dehydrogenase, revealing significant differences between the measured values across the experimental groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:
The results of the current study recommend that a combination of an ethanolic extract of S. costus roots and potassium permanganate is effective in treating parasitic infections. This study offers a potential therapeutic approach and control method for coccidiosis in industrial poultry farms.

Key words: Blood biochemical parameters; Coccidia; Potassium permanganate; Saussurea costus roots; Whie Leghorn.