Hepatoprotective and nutraceutical effects of Spirulina platensis and Matcha green tea on Eimeria stiedae Infected Rabbits: An integrated in vivo and in silico approach.

Hepatic coccidiosis severely affects rabbits and causes substantial economic losses worldwide. Recently, natural products have gained attention as safer alternatives to conventional anticoccidials owing to their minimal side effects and lower risk of resistance. The present study investigated the therapeutic potential of Spirulina platensis (SP) and Matcha green tea (MGT) in rabbits experimentally infected with Eimeria stiedae, focusing on their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects. Sixty-three New Zealand rabbits were allocated into seven groups: control negative (CN), uninfected SP-MGT, control positive (infected untreated), SP-infected, MGT-infected, SP-MGT-infected, and Toltrazuril-treated. Treatment commenced five days prior to infection and continued throughout the experiment. Infection was induced on day 6 by a single oral dose of 1 × 10⁴ sporulated E. stiedae oocysts per rabbit. Treatment with SP and MGT, individually or combined, significantly improved body weight gain and feed conversion, reduced oocyst output, alleviated oxidative stress, normalized biochemical parameters, decreased serum cytokine levels, and mitigated hepatic lesions compared with the infected untreated group. Molecular docking analysis supported the in vivo findings, revealing strong binding affinities of active SP and MGT compounds to parasite target enzymes, suggesting potential mechanisms of action. Overall, both Spirulina and Matcha green tea improved rabbit health and performance; however, matcha green tea (MGT) showed a stronger anticoccidial effect, as reflected by a greater reduction in oocyst output. Their combined use produced the most comprehensive protective effects, comparable to those of toltrazuril, by supporting liver and intestinal recovery, boosting antioxidant defenses, and reducing inflammation. Further studies are needed to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying their potential synergistic action and to confirm their safety and efficacy as natural alternatives for controlling hepatic coccidiosis in rabbits.