In vitro Anticoccidial Activity of Artemisia absinthium on Eimeria spp Oocysts of Broiler Chickens

Coccidiosis presents significant challenges for the poultry industry, resulting in substantial economic losses. The objective of this study was to assess the in vitro efficacy of the aqueous extract of Artemisia absinthium on Emeria spp. oocysts isolated from broiler chicken feces. Oocysts (mean initial number per well: 631 ± 26) were distributed into multiwell plates and treated with increasing concentrations of Artemisia absinthium infusion (10%, 5%, 2.5%, 1.25%, 0.62%, 0.31%, 0.15%, 0.07%), then incubated at 28°C for 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. Potassium dichromate was used as the positive control. Oocyst viability and sporulation were monitored at 24-hour intervals using established counting methods. After 96 hours, the 10% Artemisia absinthium treatment achieved an 87.9 ± 06.5% reduction in oocyst count (p < 0.001). The reduction in the number of oocysts at 5%, 2.5% and 1.25% was also significantly greater than at lower concentrations (p < 0.001). Sporulation was markedly inhibited, ranging from 91.7% to 100% depending on concentration (p < 0.001), whereas the sporulation rate for the positive control (potassium dichromate) was 78.4 ± 1.8% versus 0–6.5% in treated groups (p < 0.001). Statistical modeling using a generalized linear and mixed model confirmed that the efficacy of Artemisia absinthium increased both with extract concentration and with incubation time (p < 0.001). The results showed a clear and consistent trend in both oocyst reduction and inhibition of sporulation as exposure parameters increased. Taken together, these results indicate that aqueous Artemisia absinthium extract displays a strong in vitro anticoccidial effect, demonstrating significant reduction in oocyst viability and preventing sporulation. Artemisia absinthium thus represents a promising natural antiparasitic candidate for sustainable poultry coccidiosis management. However, further in vivo investigations are necessary to confirm its effectiveness and safety under field conditions.