α-Viniferin-Induced Structural and Functional Alterations in Raillietina echinobothrida, a Poultry Tapeworm

α-Viniferin, an active component of the plant Carex baccans L., is known for its anticancer, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. In Northeast India, different tribes traditionally consume C. baccans to control intestinal helminth infections. Therefore, the present study was carried out to assess the extent of tegumental alteration caused by α-viniferin in Raillietina echinobothrida, a widely prevalent poultry helminth in northeast India. Helminths were exposed in vitro to various doses of α-viniferin (50, 100, and 200 µM/mL of physiological buffered saline) and their motility and mortality were recorded. Stereoscan observations on the parasite exposed to the active compound showed extensive distortion and destruction of the surface fine topography of the tegument compared with controls. The compound also caused extensive damage to the tegument by disintegration of microtriches, disorganization of muscle bundles, and loss of cellular organelles combined with distortion and disruption of the plasma membrane, nuclear membrane, nucleolus, mitochondrial membrane, and cristae. Histochemical and biochemical studies carried out parasites exposed to α-viniferin revealed a decline in the activity of vital tegumental enzymes like acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and adenosine triphosphatase. Extensive structural and functional alterations observed in the treated parasites are indicative of efficient cestocidal activity of the compound.