Chemical Characterization of

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Parasitology
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill., known as cactus pear or palma forrageira, is a xerophytic plant vital for animal nutrition in Brazil's semi-arid regions.
• The plant possesses bioactive compounds with pharmacological properties, suggesting potential applications in combating parasite infections.
• Gastrointestinal parasites pose a significant threat to livestock health and productivity, necessitating effective and sustainable control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To chemically characterize the Opuntia ficus-indica hydroalcoholic extract (OFIEOH).
• To evaluate the in vitro efficacy of OFIEOH against gastrointestinal parasites.
• To investigate the drug-extract interaction between OFIEOH and ivermectin (IVM).

Main Methods:

• OFIEOH was prepared from cladode peels via maceration.
• Chemical characterization involved colorimetric assays and LC-MS/ESI for polyphenolic profiling.
• In vitro efficacy was assessed using egg hatch (EHT) and larval migration inhibition (LMT) tests at various concentrations, including combinations with IVM.

Main Results:

• Fifteen compounds were identified in OFIEOH, primarily tri-glycosylated methyl quercetin derivatives.
• OFIEOH demonstrated concentration-dependent efficacy in both EHT (19.33–90.0%) and LMT (5.78–77.26%).
• An antagonistic effect was observed with IVM addition to OFIEOH, while a synergistic effect occurred when OFIEOH was added to IVM, reducing the overall IC50.

Conclusions:

• OFIEOH is a viable, eco-friendly option for controlling gastrointestinal parasites in sheep, promoting animal welfare.
• The study highlights the potential of OFIEOH as a complementary or alternative antiparasitic agent.
• Drug-extract interactions present a promising therapeutic avenue for optimizing antiparasitic treatments and reducing drug dosage.