Innovative naringin-ivermectin combination for improved scabies management and dermal healing in rabbits

Sarcoptic mange, caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, is a prevalent parasitic skin disease in rabbits, causing deleterious economic losses via reducing production and reproduction. The present study aimed to elucidate the role of naringin (NG), either pure or nanoformulation (NGNPs), in enhancing the acaricidal efficacy of ivermectin (IVM) against sarcoptic mange in rabbits. Twenty-five adult male rabbits were enrolled in this study and divided into 5 groups (n = 5). Group 1: negative control (healthy, non-infected, untreated); Group 2: positive control (infected, untreated); Group 3 (IVM) received s/c IVM (1.5 mg/kg) and topical IVM (0.1%) twice, 14 days apart; Group 4 (IVM+NG) received IVM + oral NG (7.5 mg/kg bwt/day for 28 consecutive days); Group 5 (IVM+NGNPs) received IVM + oral NGNPs (7.5 mg/kg bwt/day for 28 consecutive days). The acaricidal efficacy of the treatments was assessed based on clinical signs, growth performance, parasitological examination, inflammatory gene expression, histopathological changes, and immunological parameters. The combination of IVM with NG, particularly its nanoformulation, improved growth performance, eliminated the parasite after 14 days post-treatment, and accelerated skin healing. The anti-inflammatory potential of NGNPs was confirmed by a significant downregulation of the transcript levels of NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-1β alongside weak expression of both iNOS and CD3 in the skin tissues. The study concluded that the daily oral supplementation of NGNPs can act as a powerful cofactor for IVM to completely eliminate the parasite from rabbits, accelerate skin healing, enhance rabbits' immunity, protect many organs from damage, and therefore increase their growth performance.