Abstract
Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the anthelmintic and ultrastructural effects of Calotropis procera latex on Haemonchus contortus. C. procera latex was twice centrifuged at 10,000×g and dialyzed to obtain a fraction rich in proteins, named LP (latex protein), and at 3,000 rpm to obtain a fraction rich in secondary metabolites, named LNP (latex non-protein). Specimens of H. contortus exposed to LNP, LP and PBS in the Adult Worm Motility Test (AWMT) were submitted to scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy to verify changes in their ultrastructure. Phytochemical tests in the LNP indicated the presence of phenols, steroids, alkaloids and cardenolides. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) characterized the presence of the compounds gallic acid and quercetin in the LNP. The protein content in the LP was 43.1 ± 1.1 mg/mL and 7.7 ± 0.3 mg/mL in LNP. In AWMT, LNP and LP inhibited the motility of 100% of the nematodes, with LNP being more effective than LP and ivermectin more effective than both (p <0.05). Cuticle changes were observed by SEM and TEM in nematodes treated with LP and LNP. Calotropis procera latex has anthelmintic effects against H. contortus, causing damage to its cuticle and other alterations in its ultrastructure.
Highlights
Haemonchus contortus is one of the main gastrointestinal nematodes affecting the global production of sheep and goats and is considered the most pathogenic and prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions (Niciura et al, 2019; Santos et al, 2017)
This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic effect of two fractions of C. procera latex against H. contortus and to verify the induction of changes in the morphology and ultrastructure of H. contortus exposed to these fractions
Secondary metabolites were separated from the LP by dialysis, while phytochemical tests indicated the presence of secondary metabolites, such as phenols, steroids, alkaloids and cardiac glycosides, in the LNP
Summary
Haemonchus contortus is one of the main gastrointestinal nematodes affecting the global production of sheep and goats and is considered the most pathogenic and prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions (Niciura et al, 2019; Santos et al, 2017). The resistance of gastrointestinal nematodes in small ruminants to commercially available anthelmintics is widely disseminated, making it necessary to adopt alternative measures to control these infections (Elandalousi et al, 2013; Ribeiro et al, 2015). The therapeutic properties of many plants traditionally used for medicinal purposes have been scientifically proven (Belemlilga et al, 2016; Macedo et al, 2012). The use of these plants has advantages, such as a low cost, biodegradability and a lack of ecological harm (Zhu et al, 2013). Medicinal plants are sources of bioactive compounds derived from primary and secondary metabolism, enabling the development of new drugs (Ribeiro et al, 2013)
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