Assessment of anticoagulant potential of Halocnemum strobilaceum (Pall.) against black rat (Rattus rattus Lin.) from Algeria

Background Black rats (Rattus rattus; Rodentia: Muridae) cause significant damage to agricultural and human health, and they are considered a reservoir for a variety of diseases. Objectives The current study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of oral anticoagulants derived from Halocnemum strobilaceum (Pall.) M. Bieb. to these dangerous animals. Method Four selected doses (100, 150, 200 and 300 mg/day/kg of individual weight) and one control were utilized, with 10 repetitions of each dose (5 ♂ and 5 ♀). The extract was powdered on dates as bait. Results UPLC-ESI/MS-MS chromatography identified three distinct coumarins (coumaric acid, p-coumaric acid and 4-hydroxycoumarin). The results showed that the fourth dose used caused the highest number of deaths (100 % after three days of treatment). In contrast, after 48 h of therapy, all rats examined showed lethargy, anorexia and unconsciousness, followed by rapid death at 72 h in the treated individuals. The LD50 was recorded at 146.4 mg.kg−1 with a LT50 of 59.37 h. At the end of the experiment, the autopsies of all deceased individuals allowed us to observe the bleeding of their internal organs. The analysis of PT and aPTT demonstrated that the halophyte under investigation possesses anticoagulant activity that increased with the concentration. Histological sections of the liver revealed cellular alteration and significant necrosis. As well, the kidneys had vascular occlusion with an inflammatory filtrate. Conclusions To reduce food losses and wastes caused by these pests, H. strobilaceum will be an important plant for use in protecting against invasive rodents, especially in environmental and stored product programs focused at eradicating rodent pests.