Structural and histological changes in Ascaridia galli exposed in vitro to underutilized anthelmintic plant, Meyna...

The methanol seed extract of Meyna laxiflora Robyns was evaluated in vitro against the most prevalent poultry nematode, Ascaridia galli, to assess its anthelmintic potential employing the adult worm mortality assay. Worms were subjected to varying concentrations (0.05-100mg/mL) of the extract dissolved in physiological phosphate-buffered saline solution containing 0.1% dimethyl sulphoxide, and incubated at 37 ± 1°C. A parallel assay was performed with the broad-spectrum anthelmintic drug, Albendazole. Exposure to the extract induced complete inactivation and flaccid paralysis, culminating mortality at variable lengths of time, which revealed a dose-dependent reduction in motility and enhanced mortality. Worms treated with the plant extract at 100mg/mL, attained mortality at 7.96 ± 1.00 h, comparable to ABZ (4.51 ± 0.37 h). Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that the extract exhibited low toxicity (<5%) against HEK293T and HeLa cells. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed abundant phytochemicals like alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, and terpenoids, Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified the existence of Melezitose (51.88%), l-Glucose (7.14%), and 3-Cyclohex-3-enylpropionic acid (5.76%) as major constituents. Scanning electron microscopy of treated worms displayed extensive deformation, desquamation, and wrinkling in the cuticular topography. Histological examination of the worms further evidenced disintegration and disruption of the cuticle, gastro-intestinal tract, and reproductive system, thereby underscoring the potent wormicidal efficacy.