Ana Shek-Vugrovečki

The effects of strawberry tree water leaf extract, arbutin and hydroquinone on haematological parameters and levels of primary DNA damage in white blood cells of rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L., Ericaceae) leaves represent a potent source of biologically active compounds and have been used for a long to relieve symptoms of various health impairments and diseases. Two major compounds related to their beneficial activities in animals and humans are arbutin and hydroquinone. AIM OF THE STUDY To establish potential benefit/risk ratio associated with daily oral administration of strawberry tree water leaf extract, arbutin and hydroquinone in doses expected to be non-toxic. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a 14-day and a 28-day study on male and female Lewis rats and evaluated main haematological parameters and the effects of treatments on the levels of primary DNA damage in white blood cells (WBC) using the alkaline comet assay. RESULTS Our findings suggest no significant changes in the haematological parameters following prolonged exposure to strawberry tree water leaf extract, arbutin, and hydroquinone. However, hydroquinone causes increased, and extract as well as arbutin decreased WBC count in male rats compared to control after 14 days of treatment. DNA damage measured in WBC of rats treated with all compounds was below 10% of the DNA in the comet tail, which indicates low genotoxicity. The genotoxic potential of strawberry water leaf extract was within acceptable limits and reflected effects of a complex chemical composition upon DNA. We also observed slight gender- and exposure time- related differences in primary DNA damage in the leucocytes of control and treated rats. CONCLUSIONS Future studies should investigate which doses of strawberry tree water leaf extract would be most promising for the potential use as a substitute for bearberry leaves for treatment of urinary infection.

Current aspects and recommendations in health management of organic sheep and goat farming in karst areas of Croatia

Karsts areas are environments that provide almost ideal natural conditions for the development of organic sheep and goat farming. There is a growing interest in organic production methods in Croatia, mainly because these systems are expected to offer more profitable and sustainable production systems, based on low input. Existing data on animal health in organic livestock production systems are reviewed in the light of the demands and challenges of the implementation of EU regulations in Croatian organic sheep and goat production. The main conclusions and recommendations of organic sheep and goat production are summarized and the future challenges to organic livestock production in terms of welfare and health management are discussed. The authors concluded that a lot of effort is needed in order to find solutions that will meet organic standards requirements and guarantee high levels of health and welfare for animals. While organic standards offer a good framework for rural development, there is an obvious need for solving apparent conflicts between organic farming objectives and environment or public health while having in mind farmers’ income and animal health monitoring. The key challenges for the future of organic livestock production in Croatia are related to the state-veterinarian-owner communication. Field experience shows that organic livestock production is no guarantee of good animal health and welfare. The development of quality frameworks for continuous animal health assessment and herd management standards are crucial. Epidemiological studies are needed to evaluate health risk factors for the animals in organic livestock production.