Evaluation of the anthelmintic properties of a traditional remedy based on a mixture of red algae using an in vitro assay on gastrointestinal nematodes of donkeys

Donatella Serio,Francesco Saverio Robustelli della Cuna,Giovanni Furnari,Simone Mancini,Marcelo Beltrão Molento,Stefania Perrucci,Michela Maestrini,Laura Cornara

doi:10.30538/psrp-ojc2021.0018

Abstract

The anthelmintic properties and composition of an Italian traditional anthelmintic remedy based on a red algae mixture (RAE) was assessed using the egg hatch test (EHT). The ability of different dilutions \((1.0, 5.0, 50, or 100%)\) of RAE was determined and compared with the positive and negative controls against gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) of donkeys. The experiment was performed in triplicate. Data were analysed using the ANOVA and Tukey test. In the mixture, Palisada tenerrima, Laurencia intricata and Laurencia spp. red algae were identified. The \(100%\) RAE was able to totally inhibit the egg hatch, showing an efficacy comparable \((P < 0.05)\) to that of the reference drug \((98.7%)\). An egg hatch reduction of \(89.5, 43.7\), and \(23.4%\) was observed at \(50, 5\) and \(1%\) dilutions, respectively. In conclusion, RAE was able to inhibit the egg hatch of GIN of donkeys in a concentration-dependent manner with a correlation coefficient \((R2)\) of \(0.968\), corroborating with its anthelmintic effect.

Highlights

The impact of helminth infections associated with the lack of efficacy of the major commercial compounds and reports of anthelmintic resistant strains worldwide [1,2], has raised the need to find alternative methods for the control of parasites of equids
The anthelmintic properties and composition of an Italian traditional anthelmintic remedy based on a red algae mixture (RAE) was assessed using the egg hatch test (EHT)
At all other dilutions (50, 5 and 1%), the RAE tested in the study showed a decreasing efficacy of 89.5, 43.7, and 23.4%, respectively

Summary

Introduction

The impact of helminth infections associated with the lack of efficacy of the major commercial compounds and reports of anthelmintic resistant strains worldwide [1,2], has raised the need to find alternative methods for the control of parasites of equids. The low probability of obtaining new synthetic anthelmintic drugs [3], and the increasing demand for organically produced food [4], represent additional factors that further increase the need for sustainable methods for parasite control. New approaches have been widely studied for the control of equid nematode infections. These include pasture management [5,6], the selection of adapted/rustic and resistant breeds [7], biological control methods [8,9], and the offering of nutraceuticals and other natural therapies [10–12]. The latter are considered promising for the control of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in livestock [10,13]. Natural compounds can be the source of new anthelmintic molecules or can be directly used for the formulation of food supplements [14]

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