Prophylactic Potential of Curcuma Longa and Baphia Nitida Leaves Extract Against Newcastle Disease Virus Infection in Embryonated Chicken Eggs

Newcastle disease is an important disease of poultry globally. Its economic impact is severe due to the high mortality rate which may reach 100 % in affected poultry farm. Leaf extract of Baphia nitida and Curcuma longa were subjected to phytochemical screening and antiviral assay against Newcastle disease virus using embryonated chicken eggs. Nine (9) day old embryonated chicken eggs were grouped into 5 which received various treatments. The phytochemical analysis revealed presence of active and nutritionally relevant compounds. The ability of the extracts to neutralize the infectivity and multiplication of NDV in treated groups were carried out by determining the egg/embryo (EE) weight ratio, the egg/embryo neutralization, mean death time, structural changes. Embryo survival was observed daily. The study showed that the weights of the egg and embryo were significantly (p< 0.05) higher in the protected groups and survival rate increased in the protected group as well. The structural anomalies observed on embryos from infected eggs were fully developed in those eggs protected by individual extract, and the mixture of the two extracts proved to be most effective. Therefore, this has shown the Baphia nitida and Curcuma longa extracts has antiviral activity, and the activity was felt most the mixture of the two extract were mixed together.