Prophylactic Potential of Psidium Guajava Leaves Extract Against Newcastle Disease Virus Infection Using Embryonated Chicken Eggs

Student: Chisom Blessing Anolue (Project, 2025)
Department of Microbiology
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Anambra State

Abstract

The global cases of Newcastle disease among poultry farming in Nigeria have severely affected the economic stability of poultry farmers. This study was undertaken to assess the activity of Psidium guajava leaf extract against Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV). The phytochemical constituents of the ethanolic extract were determined quantitatively using spectrophotometric and gravimetric methods, while antiviral activity was evaluated in vivo using embryonated chicken eggs. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, saponins, and glycosides. The infected eggs showed decreased egg and embryo weights (from 63.18 g to 44.12 g and 4.75 g to 3.86 g, respectively) after 72 hours, whereas the extract-protected eggs showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher weights. A notable reduction in NDV infectivity and increased embryo–egg weight ratio (EE) and neutralization values were observed in the extract-treated groups. The study concluded that Psidium guajava leaf extract exhibited strong protective activity against NDV infection.

Keywords
prophylactic potential psidium guajava leaves extract against newcastle disease virus
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