In vivo evaluation of antiparasitic activity of plant extracts on Nosema ceranae (Microsporidia)

MARTÍN P. PORRINI; FERNANDEZ N, J.; GARRIDO P, M.; GENDE L, B.; MEDICI, S. K.; EGUARAS M, J.

APIDOLOGIE

EDP SCIENCES S A

Lugar: Paris; Año: 2011 vol. 42 p. 700 - 707

0044-8435

Abstract – This study evaluated the activity of plant extracts on Nosema ceranae development and theirtoxicity on the infected host Apis mellifera. Newly emerged bees were fed ad libitum with enriched syrups afterindividual infection. Diets consisted of ethanolic extracts obtained from Artemisia absinthium, Allium sativum,Laurus nobilis, and Ilex paraguariensis diluted in syrup at 1% and 10% concentrations. Examination ofindividual midgut homogenates on day 19 post-infection indicated that 1% concentration of L. nobilis extractsignificantly inhibited N. ceranae development. Absinth extract, previously reported as effective againstNosema apis, did not diminish the number of N. ceranae spores throughout the experiment. Ten percentconcentrations showed high toxicity on infected bees, but also a significant activity diminishing parasitosisdevelopment in short periods. Syrups with the addition of extracts were consumed avidly as the control, evenmore in some cases. The present study constitutes the first report of antiparasitic activity in vivo of plantextracts against the Microsporidian N. ceranae and postulate natural substances as an alternative forantiparasitic treatment.