Activity of milk enzymes in response to Withania somnifera extract in bovine subclinical mastitis

Abstract

The present study was conducted to assess the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant potential of hydro-alcoholic extract of Withania somnifera root against bovine sub-clinical mastitis (SCM). Lactating cows (60) were divided in 4 equal groups. Normal healthy control (group 1) had cows that were clinically healthy, negative for California mastitis test (CMT) and having SCC lesser than 0.3 million cells/ml of milk sample while normal healthy drug control cows were in group 2. Fifteen cows in group 3 and 15 cows in group 4 positive for SCM, screened on the basis of CMTpositive reaction, SCC > 0.9 million cells/ml of milk and positive for intramammary infection, were taken for the drug trial. Sterile W. somnifera root extract (200 mg) was infused per teat by intramammary route in cows of groups 2 and 3, after diluting the drug in 5 ml sterile PBS, twice daily for consecutive 5 days, similarly 5 ml sterile PBS was infused by intramammary route in group 4 cows for 5 days. The results revealed that the herb extract treatment reduced the SCC, TBC and increased LPx and MPO activity significantly in post treatment period. The results suggested that the crude hydro-alcoholic root extract of W. somnifera possesses some biologically active principles that are anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-oxidant in nature. In the present study, biological activity of W. somnifera extract at standardized dose against bovine subclinical mastitis is reported for the first time. Development of alternative therapy with medicinal plant is an opportunity for livestock farmers who are not able to use the allopathic drugs under certain farming system.