The In vitro biological activity testing of Vitex doniana bark extract anf Flueggea virosa root extract against Taenia solium metacestodes

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

Taenia solium, the pork tapeworm, is a foodborne parasite of global concern it affects more than fifty million people globally, with more than 80% of these being in the developing world. Infection of the brain with larval stages (metacestodes) leads to neurocysticercosis, a leading cause of epilepsy in endemic areas of the world where pig rearing is common. People in pig-rearing communities rely on local herbs for their primary health care. Exploring the use of these herbs as anthelmintics will give insights into the biological activity of locally available herbs and open up avenues for more research on local herbs. This study aimed to determine the in-vitro anthelminthic activity of locally used anti-parasitic herbs, namely Vitex doniana bark extract and Flueggea virosa root extract against T. solium metacestodes. An experimental in-vitro study using intact T. solium metacestodes with full bladder walls was conducted to check for the cytocidal activity of the locally available herbs of V. doniana bark extract and F. virosa outer root cover extract. Non-evagination of metacestodes at incubation post-treatment was used as an indicator of the extract's activity against the metacestode. Treatment with praziquantel was used as a positive control. The herbs (V. doniana and F. virosa) and drug extracts (Praziquantel) were tested in five different concentrations. Vitex doniana at a concentration of 50μg/ ml resulted in an evagination of 64%, while F. virosa had 52% at the same concentration. Vitex doniana and F. virosa showed a dose-dependent response: the higher the dose, the higher the biological activity. This study showed an association between T. solium metacestodes' response to V. doniana and praziquantel (Chi-square = 29.63 versus tabulated value 3.84), indicating that there was an association between exposure of metacestodes to the treatment of V. doniana and Praziquantel. The same was observed with F. virosa and praziquantel (Chi-square = 42.28). Vitex doniana showed more biological activity than F. virosa, but both had at least biological activities above 50%. This shows that both herbs have the potential to be anthelmintics against T. solium metacestodes and are recommended to be explored further in animal models for activity against the adult tapeworm.