Research related to Anti-Parasitic Benefits

Over 15 years, several studies in different parts of the world have shown that some tannin-containing Legumes, like sainfoin, can present some antiparasitic properties. Sainfoin, and Birdsfoot Trefoil have been chosen because of thier wide potential application around Europe. In the laboratory, the anthelmintic properties (activity against worms) of sainfoin have been confirmed on both the nematodes of the digestive tract of sheep, goats and cattle. The possible effects against coccidia are also explored and look promising.

Studies on infected sheep and goats have also indicated that the consumption of sainfoin might contribute to”slow down” the dynamics of nematode infections and therefore, allow to reduce the reliance on chemical drugs. However, to use with efficiency, sainfoin in the various farm situations found in Europe, it is essential to understand the origins of the variations in results which has been observed through different assays. This is one of the key objectives of the Healthy Hay project, in particular by creating links between biochemists and parasitologists.

Scientific Articles/Findings

Anthelmintic properties of sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifoliae) : Analyses of factors of variations : role of different phenolic compounds

INRA - Thesis Abstract by Manolaraki Foteini

Condensed tannins act against cattle nematodes.

University of Copenhagen and University of Reading - Novobilskż, A., Mueller-Harvey, I. Thamsborg, S.M. Vet. Parasitol. 2011, 182, 213-220.

Condensed tannins act against cattle nematodes. Vet. Parasitol. 2011, 182, 213-220. Abstract. The use of natural plant anthelmintics was suggested

Novobilskż, A., Mueller-Harvey, I., Thamsborg, S.M.

Condensed tannins act against cattle nematodes. Veterinary Parasitology (doi:10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.06.003).

Copenhagen University - Novobilskż, A., Mueller-Harvey, I. Thamsborg, S.M.

Effect of sainfoin on lamb coccidiosis

NAGREF & Veterinary Medicine University Vienna - Anastasios Saratsis, Alexandros Stefanakis, Anja Joachim, Nikolaos Tzanidakis, Nikolaos Voutzourakis, Smaragda Sotiraki

Exploring variation in proanthocyanidin composition and content of sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia). J. Sci. Food Agric. 2013, 93, 2102-2109.

Azuhnwi, B.N., Boller, B., Dohme-Meier, F., Hess, H.D., Kreuzer, M., Stringano, E., Mueller-Harvey, I.

In vitro effects of extracts and purified tannins of sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) against cattle nematodes. Vet. Parasitol. 2013, 196, 532–537.

Novobilskż, A., Stringano, E., Hayot Carbonero C., Smith, L.M.J., Enemark H.L., Mueller-Harvey, I., Thamsborg, S.M

In vivo and in vitro efficacy of sainfoin against Eimeria spp in lambs. Vet. Parasitol. (2012), doi:10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.03.014

NAGREF & Veterinary Medicine University Vienna - Saratsis, A., Regos, I.,Tzanidakis, N., Voutzourakis, N., Stefanakis,A., Treuter,D.,Joachim,A.,Sotiraki,S.

In vivo anti-coccidial efficacy of sainfoin against Eimeria spp in lambs

NAGREF & Veterinary Medicine University Vienna - Saratsis A, Stefanakis A, Volanis M, Joachim A, Sotiraki S

Investigation of sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) cultivar differences on nitrogen balance and fecal egg count in artificially infected lambs. J. Anim. Sci. 2013, 91, 2342-2354.

Azuhnwi, BN, Hertzberg, H, Arrigo, Y, Gutzwiller, A, Hess, HD, Mueller-Harvey, I., Torgerson, P, Kreuzer, M, Dohme-Meier, F

Lamb coccidiosis dynamics in different dairy production systems

NAGREF & Veterinary Medicine University Vienna - Anastasios Saratsis, Anja Joachim, Stefanakis Alexandros, Smaragda Sotiraki

Nitrogen and mineral balance of lambs artificially infected with Haemonchus contortus and fed tanniferous sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia).

ALP, Switzerland - Scharenberg, A., F. Heckendorn, Y. Arrigo, H. Hertzberg, A. Gutzwiller, H. D. Hess, M. Kreuzer, and F. Dohme. 2008.

Tanniniferous legume forages used as nutraceuticals; A novel approach to control parasitic nematodes of the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants

INRA

The effects of condensed tannins against cattle nematodes (oral presentation). 23rd International Conference of the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology Congress, 21 to 25 August 2011, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, University of Copenhagen, University of Reading - Novobilskż, A., Thamsborg, S.M., Mueller-Harvey, I.

THESIS: Anthelmintic properties of sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) - Factor Analysis of variation and the role of phenolic compounds involved

INRA - Manolaraki Foteini