In Vitro Anthelmintic Activity of Three Tropical Plant Extracts on Haemonchus contortus

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Pharmacognosy
• Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

• Helminth infections pose a significant threat to livestock health and productivity.
• Traditional medicine utilizes various plant species for treating parasitic infections.
• There is a need for novel, effective, and accessible anthelmintic agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To scientifically validate the traditional use of Anacardium occidentale shell, Illicium verum fruit, and Artocarpus heterophyllus seed against helminths.
• To evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of hydroalcoholic extracts from these plants.

Main Methods:

• Hydroalcoholic extracts of Anacardium occidentale shell, Illicium verum fruit, and Artocarpus heterophyllus seed were prepared.
• Anthelmintic activity was assessed in vitro against Haemonchus contortus eggs, infective larvae (L3), and adult worms.
• Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in adult worms was also measured.

Main Results:

• All three plant extracts demonstrated significant, dose-dependent anthelmintic activity, inhibiting egg hatching, paralyzing larvae, and causing adult worm mortality.
• Anacardium occidentale shell extract exhibited the most potent activity, achieving 100% paralysis of L3 larvae and showing the lowest LD50 values for egg inhibition, larval paralysis, and adult worm mortality.
• The extracts also significantly inhibited LDH activity in adult H. contortus.

Conclusions:

• The findings support the traditional use of these plant species as anthelmintics.
• Phytochemical constituents like alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins likely contribute to the observed anthelmintic effects.
• Further in vivo studies are recommended to explore the potential of these plant extracts as novel anthelmintic agents.