In vitro and in silico study on the seeds of Veitchia merrillii on trematode worms

Farida Athaillah ¹, Muhammad Hambal ¹, Heni Vanda ²

⁰Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Veterinary, Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh, Indonesia.

Veterinary World +

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July 30, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

The seeds of Palem putri (Veitchia merrillii) show significant potential as natural anthelmintics against Paramphistomum spp. at concentrations of 25%-40%. Further research indicates promising compounds for Fasciola hepatica treatment.

Area Of Science

Ethnobotany
Pharmacology
Parasitology

Background

Limited research exists on plant-derived anthelmintics, despite their vast potential.
Palem putri (Veitchia merrillii), an ornamental plant, is explored for its anthelmintic properties due to its relation to the areca nut group.

Purpose Of The Study

To evaluate the anthelmintic efficacy of Veitchia merrillii against trematode parasites, specifically Paramphistomum spp. and Fasciola hepatica.
To investigate the potential of Veitchia merrillii seed compounds as novel anthelmintic agents.

Main Methods

In vitro anthelmintic assays were performed on Paramphistomum spp. using V. merrillii extracts at 10%, 25%, and 40% concentrations.
In silico methods, including quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR), molecular docking, and Lipinski's rule analysis, were used to study 17 compounds from V. merrillii seeds against Fasciola hepatica.

Main Results

V. merrillii extracts at 25% and 40% concentrations caused significant damage to the tegument of Paramphistomum spp.
In silico analysis revealed that 11 of the 17 studied compounds from V. merrillii seeds demonstrated superior binding affinity to Fasciola hepatica targets compared to praziquantel, with rutin and gallic acid showing the highest affinity.
Lipinski's rule analysis indicated that rutin is not suitable for oral administration.

Conclusions

Veitchia merrillii seeds possess anthelmintic potential against Paramphistomum spp. at concentrations of 25%-40% (gr/v).
The study identifies specific compounds within V. merrillii seeds with promising activity against Fasciola hepatica, warranting further investigation for drug development.

Keywords:

Molecular docking QSAR Trematoda Veitchia merillii