Anti-inflammatory potential and respiratory burst activity of Azadirachta indica during acute bovine mastitis

Lactating, cows (48) were selected and divided in 4 equal groups for evaluating efficacy of hydro-methanolic extract of Azadirachta indica against bovine mastitis. Cows in groups 1 and 2 had somatic cell count (SCC) < 0.5 million/ml of milk while group 3 and 4 animals were positive for intramammary infection (IMI) showing positive California mastitis test reaction and SCC>6 million cells/ml of milk. Group 2 and 3 cows received 600 mg of hydro-methanolic extract of A. indica by intramammary route twice daily for 7 days. The cows of group 4 received 300 mg of erythromycin by intramammary route twice daily for 5 days. The SCC and CMT point score reduced significantly in group 3 and 4 cows. The hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion (O-2(-)) production by milk cells enhanced significantly in group 3 cows, however nonsignificant change of H2O2, and O-2(-) production was observed in group 4 cows after treatment. In the present study there was significant reduction in SCC, nitric oxide (NO) and neutrophil %, enhancement of lymphocyte%, H2O2 and O(2)(-)production in group 3 cows by the A. indica extract treatment. The result suggests anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and therapeutic potential of the herb.