



































 

  

 

 
Cluj Vet J 2025, vol 30, issue 2 http://clujveterinaryjournal.ro 
 

Article 

Antiviral Activity of Lagenaria breviflora Roberts Fruit Against 
Canine Parvovirus in Embryonated Chicken Egg  
Blessing Ayeni 1, Tolulope Olakojo* 1 , Oluwasanmi Aina2, Olawale Ola3, Olusegun Fagbohun4, and Olayinka 
Oridupa1 

1 Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ibadan 
2 Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Ibadan  
3    Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Ibadan 
4    Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Ibadan 

* Correspondence: mailintolulope@gmail.com; Tel.: (+234 8078495289) 

Abstract: Lagenaria breviflora has been traditionally utilized as a natural remedy for various diseases including measles, 
smallpox, human chickenpox and Newcastle disease in poultry, as well as parasitic infections caused by Eimerias pp 
and Ascaridia galli. This study investigated the antiviral potential of L. breviflora fruit methanol extract against Canine 
Parvovirus using experimentally infected 10-day old embryonated chicken eggs. The eggs were apportioned to 11 
groups (n=5) with Group 1 serving as control, while Group 2 remained inoculated with the virus only. Group 3 and 4 
received only L. breviflora extract (25mg/ml and 50mg/ml), while Groups 5-11 were inoculated with the virus and graded 
concentrations of L. breviflora extract (1.5625mg/ml to 100mg/ml) respectively. Gross and histological changes were 
assessed 24h post-inoculation. The results revealed significant pathologies such as congealed mass of embryo tissue 
with disruption of membrane and neuronal layer arrangement, haemorrhage, distorted membranes and necrosis in the 
untreated infected embryos consistent with Canine Parvoviral infection.  Embryos treated with the extract, particularly 
at concentrations of 3.125-12.5mg/ml, exhibited significantly reduced pathognomonic signs of Canine Parvo Enteritis, 
presented as slight haemorrhage and blood vessel congestion. Eggs inoculated with higher concentrations (25-
100mg/ml) showed signs of toxicity reflected as severe congestion, degeneration and necrosis. This study therefore 
concluded that the methanol extract of L. breviflora fruit at low concentrations demonstrated antiviral activity against 
Canine Parvovirus, inhibiting virus growth and degenerative pathologies in embryonated chicken eggs. Concentrations 
>12.5mg/ml was embryotoxic. 
 
Keywords: Canine Parvovirus, Embryonated Chicken Eggs, Inoculation, Lagenaria breviflora.  

 

1. Introduction 
Canine Parvovirus (CPV) remains a significant enteric virus infecting domesticated 

and feral breeds of dogs globally. It is a fatal virus that spreads rapidly, causing severe 
morbidity and high mortality in Canines [1]. Early presentation and treatment are 
significant determinants of the survival rates, which may be up to 95% if treated early and 
as low as about 9% when presented late or not treated [2]. Usually, unvaccinated dogs, 
especially puppies and those with low maternal immunity or poor management 
conditions, are more susceptible to the infection [3]. Most dog owners are well-informed 
about the vaccination protocols against this virus, and affordability has not been 
challenging. 

The virus species is classified within Parvoviridae, subfamily Parvovirinae, and genus 
Protoparvovirus, a virus family known for its high pathogenicity [4,5]. Despite the 
knowledge of the circulation of canine parvovirus subtypes in Nigeria and routine 
vaccination of dogs, some vaccinated dogs still come down with Canine Parvoviral 
Enteritis (CPE). The polyvalent vaccine DHLPP (Distemper Hepatitis Leptospirosis 

Received: 13.12.2024 

Accepted: 14.04.2025 

Published: 15.07.2025 

DOI:10.52331/v30i2728 

 

 

 

Copyright: © 2025 by the authors. 

Submitted for possible open access 

publication under the terms and con-

ditions of the Creative Commons At-

tribution (CC BY) license (http://crea-

tivecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). 



Cluj Vet J 2025, vol 30, issue 2 26 of 66 
 

Parvovirus Parainfluenza) for dog vaccination against CPV in Nigeria is mainly adopted. The CPV subtype 
in most vaccines is either the wild-type CPV or CPV-2b [6]. 

These may cause the outbreak of the disease in vaccinated dogs since vaccination of puppies with 
heterologous subtypes of the virus has been shown to yield a lower antibody titer than the homologous 
virus [7]. As such, some commercial CPV vaccines that contain only one or two subtypes or wild-type CPV 
do not confer significant immunity against CPV. Moreover, CPV-2a, the most prevalent serotype of CPV 
in Nigeria, has been reported as preponderant, despite the surge in the CPV-2c serotypes recorded lately 
[2].   

Vaccine break or low immunity leads to full-blown CPE, which clinically presents with hemorrhagic 
diarrhoea and vomiting. Severe intestinal crypt cell damage, erosion of enteric blood vessels and massive 
haemorrhage in the gastrointestinal tract are sequels of the viral invasion of cells [2]. Host cells undergo 
cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and necrosis of intestinal crypt cells [8]. Supportive care is the primary 
therapeutic protocol adopted, focusing on mitigating diarrhoea and vomiting. Lost electrolytes are restored 
via fluid therapy, and antibiotics are administered to treat opportunistic secondary bacterial infections. 
Other supportive care is given based on clinical signs observed [9]. However, the economic implication of 
therapy is usually very high with extensive days of treatment [10,11].  

From the foregoing, developing alternative therapies from affordable and available sources within the 
environment is pertinent. Due to viral resistance, viral latency, and contradictory efficacy in recurrent 
infection of susceptible populations, developing antiviral medicines, mainly, has been challenging [12]. 
The outbreaks of viral diseases have been on a rampage within animal populations globally, with 
incidences of emerging and re-emerging virulent virus strains [13]. Therefore, it is vital to prioritize 
discovering new antiviral agents, especially those that can ameliorate the cytopathic effects of the virus. 

Medicinal plants are potential sources for discovering remedies for various disease pathogens, 
including viruses. One such plant is Lagenaria breviflora Roberts (Family Cucurbitaceae), a plant reported 
to have demonstrated antiviral activities against Newcastle disease and measles viruses [14,15]. It is a 
perennial climber that grows in the wild in tropical Africa, mounting up the forest canopy and occupying 
the regions from Senegal to West Cameroons. The fruits have been reportedly used in folkloric medicine 
for prophylaxis and viral infection therapy, including measles, smallpox, human chickenpox, and 
Newcastle disease in poultry [5,16]. Previous reports have also documented its anti-ulcerogenic [17], 
haematinic and immunostimulatory [18], antidiarrhoiec and intestinal smooth muscle relaxant effects [19].  

       Therefore, in the quest to discover alternative therapies for CPE, this study investigated the 
antiviral potential of L. breviflora Roberts' whole fruit against CPV in embryonated chicken eggs. 

 
2. Materials and Methods 

2.1. Preparation of viral inoculum 
The viral inoculum was prepared from a diarrheic faecal sample collected from a dog diagnosed 

with canine parvovirus (CPV) infection at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Ibadan. The 
sample was stored at −80°C until processing immediately. Viral presence was confirmed using an immu-
nochromatographic test kit (BioNote, Inc., Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea; Catalog No. VCHECK® CPV Ag), 
following the manufacturer’s instructions. A sterile viral transfer medium (VTM) was prepared by com-
bining 500 mL glycerol (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA; Catalog No. G5516), 600 mg penicillin (Sigma-
Aldrich; Catalog No. P3032), 5 g streptomycin (Sigma-Aldrich; Catalog No. S9137), 280 mg gentamycin 
(Sigma-Aldrich; Catalog No. G1272), and 100 mg amphotericin B (Sigma-Aldrich; Catalog No. A2942) in a 
500 mL sterile bottle. The pH was adjusted to 7.2 using 1M NaOH (Sigma-Aldrich; Catalog No. S8045) and 
verified with a calibrated pH meter (Hanna Instruments, HI2211).   

For sample processing, 1 g of faecal sample was suspended in 500 µL of VTM and vortexed (Scien-
tific Industries Vortex Genie 2) for 2 min at maximum speed. The suspension was centrifuged at 6,000 × g 
for 15 min at 4°C (Eppendorf Centrifuge 5810R, rotor F-45-30-11). The supernatant was filtered through a 
0.22 µm pore-size syringe filter (Millex®-GP, Millipore, Bedford, MA, USA; Catalog No. SLGP033RB) 



Cluj Vet J 2025, vol 30, issue 2 27 of 66 
 

under laminar flow to remove bacterial contaminants. The labelled CPV inoculum filtrate was aliquoted 
into 1.5 mL sterile microcentrifuge tubes (Eppendorf) and stored at −20°C until use.   

 
2.2. Quantification of viral inoculum using spectrometry 
Concentration of viral particle was estimated as described by Maizel et al. (1968) with a slight mod-

ification [20], and optical density of 1.00 AU (1cm pathlength) at 260nm, matching 1.1 x 1012 viral parti-
cles/mL was considered appropriate. Absorbance unit at 260nm and 320nm were determined from the 
spectrometric measurement using a NanoDrop™ 2000 spectrophotometer (Thermo Fisher Scientific). Cor-
rected values of A260 absorbance were computed by subtracting the obtained values (A260 – A320) and 
then, the virus concentration for each of the inoculation hours was calculated using the expression:  

Virus concentration [vir/mL] = corrected A260 × 1.1×1012 
-A260 represent the optical density at 260nm. 
-A320 represent the optical density (background and scatter correction) and 
-1.1×1012 is the number of virus particles per mL per 1 AU at 260nm. 
 

2.3. Preparation of Lagenaria breviflora Extract 
Fresh fruits of L. breviflora (40–50 balls) were harvested from the Teaching and Research Farm, Uni-

versity of Ibadan, Nigeria. A taxonomist confirmed Botanical identification, and a voucher specimen 
(Voucher No. LB-2023-001) was deposited at the Herbarium, Department of Botany, University of Ibadan. 
The fruits were washed with distilled water, sliced into small cubes measuring approximately 1 cm × 1 cm 
× 1 cm (1 cm³), and air-dried at 25°C for 48 h.  

About extraction, 500 g of dried material was soaked in 2 L of 96% methanol (Sigma-Aldrich; Catalog 
No. 322415) in a glass amber bottle for 72 h at 25°C with occasional shaking. The mixture was filtered 
through Whatman No. 1 filter paper (GE Healthcare), and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced 
pressure at 40°C using a rotary evaporator (BUCHI R-300, Switzerland; water bath set at 40°C, vacuum 
pressure: 175 mbar). Residual methanol was removed by placing the extract in an oven (Memmert UN110) 
at 40°C for 24 h. The extract was neutralized to pH 7.0 by adding 0.2 mL of 1M NaOH per 10 mL of extract, 
then sterilized by filtration through a 0.45 µm microbial filter (Millipore) and stored in sterile amber bottles 
at 4°C.   

The extract was reconstituted with an antibiotic solution containing Penicillin, Streptomycin, Gen-
tamycin, and Amphotericin B (PSGA), and solutions were refrigerated for 1h at 4°C. Stock solution of 1000 
mg/ml of the fruit extracts was diluted in PSGA to a working concentration of 250 mg/ml and further 
diluted to 200 mg/ml in PSGA. Further, 1:2 dilutions were made to achieve final extract concentrations of 
100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25, 3.125, and 1.5625mg/ml. The extract was reconstituted with the virus inoculum (1:1) 
and cooled at 40C for 4 hours before introduction into embryonated eggs [19]. 

 
2.4. Experimental Design 
Fertilized specific-pathogen-free (SPF) eggs were purchased from a commercial breeder (Amo Farm 

Sieberer, Ibadan, Oyo State). The eggs were disinfected with 70% ethanol, arranged in an egg crate, and 
subjected to incubation within a humidified incubator (G.Q.F Manufacturing Incubator) at 370C with the 
air sac facing upwards with 60% relative humidity.  



Cluj Vet J 2025, vol 30, issue 2 28 of 66 
 

On the eighth day of incubation, the eggs were candled to assess fertility. An egg was deemed fertile 
if a thin blood vessel leading to a bean-shaped embryo with visible eyes was observed while infertile eggs 
were sorted out and discarded. 

On day 10, the eggs were randomly allocated into 11 groups (n = 5 eggs/group). Group 1 served as 
the uninoculated control (0.2 mL sterile PBS), while Group 2 received CPV inoculum only (0.2 mL). Groups 
3 and 4 were inoculated with L. breviflora extract at 25 or 50 mg/mL, respectively. Groups 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 
and 11 were embryonated eggs inoculated with the virus-extract suspension containing graded concentra-
tions of the extract, respectively: 100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25, 3.125, and 1.5625mg/ml to establish the antiviral 
effect of this plant extract. The eggs were drilled at the air sac, ending using a sterile 23-G needle for inoc-
ulation. Each egg received a volume of 0.2 ml of virus-extracted inoculum via the drilled hole into the 
chorioallantoic cavity. This was, afterwards, sealed with sterile paraffin wax. 

The eggs were incubated for 24 h at 37°C and then chilled at 4°C to constrict chorioallantoic mem-
brane (CAM) blood vessels. Post-chilling, the eggshells were cracked open, and the embryo with CAM was 
harvested aseptically. The gross pathologies were photographed and eventually fixed in 10% formalin for 
histopathology for 48 h [21].  

 
Histopathology 
The (CAM) tissue and embryo were fixed in formalin for 48 h, dissected and placed in labelled cas-

settes. These tissues underwent dehydration in increasing ethanol concentrations (70%, 90%, 100%), fol-
lowed by xylene clearing to remove alcohol. They were then infiltrated with molten paraffin wax at 56°C, 
moulded, and solidified for microtome sectioning (Leica RM2235) at 5 µm thickness. Thin wax sections 
were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H & E).  

The staining process involved dewaxing in xylene, rehydration in decreasing alcohol 
concentrations, washing, staining, dehydration, and mounting in DPX. Finally, the slides were air-dried 
and examined microscopically with a microscope (Olympus BX53) at 100x and 400x magnification [22]. 

3. Results 

3.1. Morphology and Gross Pathology  

     No visible lesions were observed in the uninoculated untreated embryos, the yolk sac, and albu-
min, while the inoculated untreated embryos presented as a congealed hemorrhagic mass. Embryos inoc-
ulated with CPV, treated with 1.562mg/ml and 3.125mg/ml of L. breviflora (LB) extract, showed whitish 
and cloudy albumin, respectively. A slight haemorrhage and congestion were equally observed at both 
concentrations. The group inoculated and treated with 6.25mg/ml of LB extract presented with slight con-
gestion in some membranous vessels on the embryo, while inoculated embryos treated with 12.5mg/ml of 
LB extract showed a rounded embryo with severely congested membranous vessels and slightly cloudy 
albumin. Inoculated embryos treated with 25mg/ml and 50mg/ml showed haemorrhage and an edematous 
appearance within the embryo and membrane, mixed with a gelatinous yolk sac and albumin. There was 
severe congestion around the yolk sac and mild ecchymosis on the surface of embryos treated with 
25mg/ml. The albumin of embryos treated with 50mg/ml of LB extract was clear with mild haemorrhage. 
Inoculated embryos treated with 100mg/ml of LB extract lost embryonic comma shape; the yolk sac and 
albumin had merged, with a yellow tinge of the yolk sac (Figure 3.1). 



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GRP1 GRP2 GRP3 GRP4 GRP5 

GRP6 GRP7 GRP8 GRP9 GRP10 

GRP 11 
GRP1 (Uninoculated untreated):-Normal embryo, yolk sac and albumin. No visible lesion 

GRP 2 (Inoculated untreated):-Congealed mass showing hemorrhage (black arrow) in the embryo 

GRP3 (LB extract (25mg/ml): -Hemorrhage and oedematous appearance within the embryo and membrane in a gelatinous mix of yolk sac and albumin 

GRP4 (LB extract (50mg/ml):-Embryo and membrane in a gelatinous mix of yolk sac and albumin 

GRP 5 (Inoculated –LB extract (100mg/ml):- Embryo has lost its comma shape, yolk sac and albumin has merged yolk sac has a tinge of yellow 

GRP 6 (Inoculated – LB extract (50mg/ml):-Albumin is clear, mild hemorrhage (Black Arrow) 

GRP 7 (Inoculated – LB extract (25mg/ml)-Severe congestion around yolk sac (Black Arrow), Mild ecchymosis on the surface 

GRP 8 (Inoculated – LB extract (12.5mg/ml):  -Severe congestion around yolk sac, Mild ecchymosis on the surface (Arrow Head) 

GRP 9 (Inoculated – LB extract (6.25mg/ml):-Slight congestion on some membranous vessels 

GRP 10 (Inoculated – LB extract (3.125mg/ml): -Albumin is cloudy, slight congestion 

GRP 11 (Inoculated – LB extract (1.5625mg/ml)-slight hemorrhage (Arrow head), Albumin is whitish 

 
Figure 3.1: Gross pathology of chicken embryonated eggs inoculated with CPV and treated with L. breviflora whole fruit extract (X100) 
 



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3.2. Histopathology of Embryo Head 

The membrane of the uninoculated-untreated embryo head was intact with normal integrity of par-
enchymatous cells. In contrast, the inoculated-untreated group showed a distorted membrane and disrup-
tion of neuronal layer arrangement. Embryos were inoculated but treated with 1.5625mg/ml of LB extract, 
which showed neuronal layer disruption and areas of spongiosis. Compared, extended cavernous spaces 
containing bloody spots were observed for inoculated-treated embryos at 3.125mg/ml. Inoculated-treated 
embryos with 6.25mg/ml of LB extract showed areas of mild blood accumulation. However, a relatively 
normal and parenchymatous cell membrane integrity was observed at 12.5mg/ml LB extract of inoculated-
treated embryos. Inoculated embryos treated with 25mg/ml of LB extract presented as membrane-bound 
accumulation of blood and areas of spongiosis. 

In contrast, the inoculated-treated group at 50mg/ml of LB extract maintained normal parenchyma-
tous cell integrity. In addition, embryos treated with LB extract at 25mg/ml had focal points of severe ne-
crosis in the parenchyma, while the group treated with 50mg/ml showed neuronal layer arrangement dis-
ruption. Finally, embryos inoculated and treated with 100mg/ml of LB extract revealed disruption of neu-
ronal layer arrangement and a mild area of spongiosis (Figure 3.2). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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GRP1 GRP2 GRP3 GRP4 GRP5 

GRP6 GRP7 GRP8 GRP9 GRP10 

GRP11 GRP1- Intact membrane (black arrowhead). Integrity of parenchymatous cells is normal (yellow arrow)                                            

GRP 2- Distorted membrane (black arrowhead). Disruption of neuronal layer arrangement (red arrow)                                        

GRP3 - focal point of severe necrosis in the parenchyma (red arrowhead) 

GRP4- Disruption of neuronal layer arrangement (red arrow). 

GRP 5- Disruption of neuronal layer arrangement (red arrow). Mild area of spongiosis (yellow arrowhead)                                    

GRP 6- Integrity of parenchymatous cells is normal (yellow arrow)  

GRP 7- Membrane bound accumulation of blood (black arrow). Areas of spongiosis (yellow arrowhead)                                   

GRP 8 - Fairly normal membrane (black arrowhead). Integrity of parenchymatous cells is normal (yellow arrow)                            

GRP 9- Areas of mild accumulation of blood (black arrows)  

GRP 10- Mildly extended cavernous spaces containing bloody spots (black arrows) 

 GRP 11- Disruption of neuronal layer arrangement (red arrow). Areas of spongiosis (yellow arrowhead) 

 
Figure 3.2: Histopathology of the head of chicken embryos inoculated with Parvovirus and treated with Lagenaria breviflora whole fruit extract (H&E, X100) 
 



Cluj Vet J 2025, vol 30, issue 2    32 of 66 

 

 

3.3. Histopathology of Embryo Body 

The integrity of parenchymatous cells of the embryo body in the uninoculated, untreated embryos 
was observed to be expected, as shown by prominent cavernous areas filled with embryonic blood. How-
ever, the inoculated-untreated embryos showed severe necrosis of parenchymatous cells and prominent 
cavernous areas filled with embryonic blood. Inoculated and treated embryos with 1.5625mg/ml of LB 
extract showed mild degeneration of parenchymatous cells. In contrast, prominent cavernous areas filled 
with embryonic blood and mild degeneration of parenchymatous cells were observed for embryos treated 
with 3.125 and 6.25 mg/mL, respectively. Nonetheless, the integrity of parenchymatous cells was expected, 
with a prominent cavernous area filled with embryonic blood in the group inoculated and treated with 
12.5mg/ml LB extract. The embryos inoculated and treated with 25 mg/mL LB extract presented mild ne-
crosis of parenchymatous cells and moderate cavernous areas filled with embryonic blood. In addition, 
embryonic-treated groups with 25 and 50mg/ml LB extract had mild disruption of parenchymatous ar-
rangement and some cell necrosis. Likewise, inoculated and treated embryos with 50mg/ml LB extract 
showed severe necrosis of parenchymatous cells and prominent cavernous areas filled with embryonic 
blood.  Finally, parenchymatous cell integrity was expected in the group inoculated and treated with 
100mg/ml of LB extract (Figure 3.3). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



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 1 
 2 
 3 
 4 
 5 
 6 
 7 
 8 
 9 
 10 
 11 

GRP1- Integrity of parenchymatous cells is normal (black arrow). Prominent cavernous areas filled with embryonic blood (red arrow).                                                                                                                                                                                                   

GRP 2- Prominent cavernous areas filled with embryonic blood (red arrow). severe necrosis of parenchymatous cells (black arrow)              

GRP3 - Mild disruption of parenchymatous arrangement and there is also cell necrosis                                                                            

GRP4- Mild disruption of parenchymatous arrangement and there is also cell necrosis 

GRP 5- Integrity of parenchymatous cells is normal 

GRP 6- severe necrosis of parenchymatous cells (black arrow). Prominent cavernous areas filled with embryonic blood (red arrow).              

GRP7- mild necrosis of parenchymatous cells (black arrow). Moderate cavernous area filled with embryonic blood (red arrow)                

GRP 8 - Integrity of parenchymatous cells is normal (black arrow). Prominent cavernous area filled with embryonic blood (red arow)                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

GRP 9 -prominent cavernous area filled with embryonic blood (red arrow). mild degeneration of the parenchymatous cells (black arrow)                                                                                                                                                                                                  

GRP 10- prominent cavernous area filled with embryonic blood (red arrow), mild degeneration of the parenchymatous cells (black arrow)                                                                                                                                                                                                              

GRP 11- mild degeneration of the parenchymatous cells (black arrow) 

 

Figure 3.3: Histopathology of the body of chicken embryos inoculated with Parvovirus and treated with Lagenaria breviflora whole fruit extract (H&E, X100) 
 

GRP1 GRP2 GRP3 GRP4 GRP5 

GRP6 GRP7 GRP8 GRP9 GRP10 

GRP11 



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3.4. Histopathology of Chorioallantoic Membrane 

The uninoculated untreated CAM presented with normal blood vessels connecting the embryo to 
the yolk.   On the other hand, the inoculated untreated embryos showed a copious presence of proteina-
ceous materials within the membranous spaces. Inoculated embryos treated with 1.5625mg/ml of LB ex-
tract revealed a severely necrotic membrane, while inoculated embryos treated with 3.125mg/ml of LB 
extract showed a degenerated fetal membrane with remnants of clots. There was severe fetal membrane 
necrosis at 6.25mg/ml and 12.5mg/ml LB in the inoculated-treated embryos. The fetal membrane appeared 
thickened in the group inoculated and treated with 25mg/ml of LB extract. Embryos inoculated and treated 
with 50mg/ml of LB extract presented with an intact membrane, a mild presence of proteinaceous materials 
within the membranous spaces, and mild congestion of blood vessels. However, embryos inoculated with 
25mg/ml of LB extract showed thickened fetal membranes and prominent blood vessels, which were con-
gested, while severe necrosis with blood accumulation was observed with 50mg/ml of LB extract. Finally, 
inoculated embryos treated with 100mg/ml of LB extract showed an intact membrane and mild congestion 
of blood vessels (Figure 3.4). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



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GRP GRP2 GRP3 GRP4 GRP5 

GRP GRP7 GRP GRP9 GRP1

GRP11 
GRP1- Normal blood vessels that connect the embryo to the yolk (black arrowhead).  

GRP 2- Copious presence of proteinaecous materials within the membraneous spaces (yellow arrow). 

GRP3 - Foetal membrane appear thickened (red arrow). Blood vessel wall is prominent and congested (black arrowhead).   

GRP4- The membrane appears necrotic (red arrow). Severe accumulation of blood (yellow arrowhead).                                                

GRP5- Membrane appears intact (red arrow). Mild congestion of blood vessels (black arrow head) 

 GRP 6- Mild presence of proteinaecous materials within the membraneous spaces (yellow arrow), membrane appears intact (red arrow), mild congestion of 

blood vessels (black arrow head). 

 GRP7- Foetal membrane appear thickened (red arrow). 

 GRP 8 - Foetal membrane appears severely necrotic (red arrow). 

 GRP 9 - Foetal membrane appears severely necrotic (red arrow).  

GRP 10- Foetal membrane appears degenerated with fossils of clots. (red arrow). 

 GRP 11- ): Foetal membrane appears severely necrotic (red arrow). 

 
Figure 3.4: Histopathology of the chorionallantoic membrane of chicken embryos inoculated with Parvovirus and treated with Lagenaria breviflora whole fruit extract (H&E x100)  

 



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4. Discussion 

        In this study, the methanol extract of L. breviflora whole fruit exhibited significant antiviral proper-
ties against CPV in embryonated chicken eggs. Notably, the extract inhibited the growth of the virus, leading 
to reduced cytopathic changes and increased survival rates in treated embryos compared to the untreated 
infected embryos. These findings indicated the antiviral potential of L. breviflora extract, particularly against 
CPV, which is in agreement with its folkloric antiviral claim [23]. This study further corroborates a previous 
report of the antiviral activity of the extract demonstrated against Newcastle disease [15]. 

        Canine Parvovirus is recognized for its high contagion and mortality rates in dogs. It causes severe 
disease characterized by replication in rapidly dividing cells such as bone marrow, lymphoid tissues, and 
intestinal crypts (24, 25). Typical pathological manifestations of CPE include congestion, haemorrhage, and 
oedema in infected tissues [26]. This study is in tandem with reported pathological features of CPE, as seen in 
the untreated infected embryos, which presented with significant lesions and mortality. 

         However, the observed virus-induced pathologies were prevented in the extract-treated embryos 
in a dose-dependent manner, aligning with the study by Oridupa et al. [15], which demonstrated the antiviral 
efficacy of ethanol extracts of L. breviflora fruit against Newcastle Disease Virus. The lower concentrations 
inhibited CPV growth and maintained embryo viability, suggesting an optimal therapeutic window for the 
extract’s antiviral activity (3.125-12.5 mg/ml). While the antiviral benefits of L. breviflora extract were apparent 
at lower concentrations, higher concentrations (25-100 mg/ml) introduced toxicity. Embryos exposed to these 
concentrations showed mild haemorrhage, severe congestion, and significant histopathological changes such 
as spongiosis, necrosis, and severe neuronal and parenchymatous cell arrangement disruption. These findings 
are consistent with previous reports by Oridupa et al. [15], which highlighted the embryotoxic potentials of 
various parts of the Lagenaria breviflora fruit (100mg/ml). Thus, while the extract is effective at lower doses, its 
application must be carefully managed to avoid toxic effects. 

        The gross pathology results in this study indicated that embryos treated with 3.125-12.5 mg/ml of 
the extract exhibited no haemorrhage and only slight congestion, contrasting sharply with the severe lesions 
seen in untreated infected embryos. Histopathology of treated embryos showed relatively normal membranes 
and mildly degenerated parenchymatous cells, further substantiating the protective effect of the extract at 
these concentrations. Conversely, higher doses (25-100 mg/ml) resulted in moderate to severe virus-induced 
damage, reinforcing the necessity for dose optimization. 

        This study demonstrates a notable antiviral activity of L. breviflora whole fruit methanol extract 
against CPV, particularly at concentrations of 3.125, 6.25 and 12.5 mg/ml, effectively inhibited viral growth 
and mitigated virus-induced damage in embryonated chicken eggs infected with canine parvovirus. This 
aligns with previous findings on its efficacy against other viral pathogens. The potential of the extract as an 
antiviral agent is evident, provided that its application is carefully regulated to mitigate associated toxicities. 

5. Conclusions 
        The findings of this study suggest that L. breviflora extract holds promise as an antiviral agent 

against canine parvovirus and for the treatment of enteritis, with significant efficacy observed at lower con-
centrations. However, the observed toxicity at higher doses necessitates further investigation for the safe ther-
apeutic range and mechanisms underlying both the antiviral and toxic effects. Future research should also 
explore the specific active compounds within the extract responsible for these effects, potentially leading to 
more refined antiviral therapies.. 



Cluj Vet J 2025, vol 30, issue 2 37 of 66 
 

 

 

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, Olayinka Oridupa and Olusegun Fagbogun; methodology, Blessing 
Ayeni and Olusegun Fagbohun; software and Imaging, Oluwasanmi Aina.; validation, Olawale Olawumi Ola, 
Oluwasanimi Aina and Olusegun Fagbohun;  investigation, Blessing Ayeni, Olawale Ola.; resources, Tolulope 
Olakojo; writing—original draft preparation, Tolulope Olakojo.; writing—review and editing, Tolulope Olakojo , 
Olayinka Oridupa, Oluwasanmi Aina and Olusegun Fagbohun.; visualization, Oluwasanmi Aina, Olawale Ola.; 
supervision, Olayinka Oridupa; project administration, Blessing Ayeni.  

All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. 

 
Funding: This research received no external funding 

Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable.  

Acknowledgments: We acknowledge the support of the entire members of technical staff of the Virology Laboratory 
of the Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Histology unit of Veterinary Anatomy Laboratory and Histopathol-
ogy unit of Veterinary Pathology, University of Ibadan for their support all through this research. 
 
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest. 

References 
 

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