Anthelmintic Activity Research Articles

Evaluation of Anthelmintic Activities of Persea americana and Musa sikkimensis

The goal was to know about the anthelmintic properties of the leaves of P. americana and peels of M. sikkimensis. An ethanolic extract from the leaves of P. americana and aqueous extract of M. sikkimensis was used to screen for phytochemicals and analyse the anthelmintic activity on Indian earthworm Pheretima posthuma to determine its therapeutic capabilities. The experiment was carried out by preparing standard drug solution (Albendazole), P. americana leaf extract and M. sikkimensis peel extract in a concentration range of 5mg/ml, 10mg/ml and 20mg/ml respectively for each. The earthworms were placed in a beaker with solutions of varying concentrations. The time of paralysis and death was noted and plotted in a graph. From the results, it was found that P. americana and M. sikkimensis extract caused paralysis in less time in a dose-dependent manner, as well as the death was caused much earlier compared to the control group. This suggests that P. americana and M. sikkimensis extract exhibited strong anthelmintic activity. Furthermore, a link has been found between anthelmintic activity and high levels of flavonoids, terpenoids and tannins. Flavonoids, tannins and terpenoids found in various extracts have been proven to have anthelmintic properties in earlier investigations. Persea americana have been reported to have alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, steroids, tannins, proteins, and Musa sikkimensis have been reported to have alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, tannins, proteins. These results lead to the conclusion that P. americana and M. sikkimensis extract may possess anthelmintic activity. Keywords: Anthelmintic activity, Helminth, Musa, Avocado

Bio-guided isolation of a new sesquiterpene from Artemisia cina with anthelmintic activity against Haemonchus contortus L3 infective larvae.

Haemonchus contortus is a blood-feeding gastrointestinal parasite that impacts grazing sheep, causing economic losses in animal production. Due to its anthelmintic resistance, alternative antiparasitic treatments like plant-based anthelmintics are necessary to explore. Artemisia cina (Asteraceae) is a plant whose n-hexane extract and ethyl acetate extract exhibit anthelmintic activity against H. contortus, the n-hexane more active. To discover additional bioactive metabolites, a chemical analysis was performed on ethyl acetate extract, which presented an LC90 of 3.30 mg/mL and allowed the isolation of 11-[(1R,5S,7R,8R,10S,)-1,8-dihydroxy-5,10-dimethyl-4-oxodecahydroazulen-7-yl] acrylic acid. This new sesquiterpene was identified through one and two-dimensional NMR. The compound was named cinic acid and displayed an LC50 of 0.13 (0.11-0.14) mg/mL and LC90 of 0.40 (0.37-0.44) mg/mL, which, compared with ethyl acetate extract larvicidal activity, was 256-fold more active at LC50 and 15.71-fold at LC90. In this study, a new sesquiterpene with larvicidal activity against H. contortus L3 infective larvae was isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of Artemisia cina.

Evaluation of in vitro anthelmintic activity of crude extract and synthesized green silver nanoparticles of the leaves of Mammea americana L.

One of the most severe parasite infections to ever plague animals, paramphistomosis is particularly devastating in tropical and subtropical areas and causes significant economic losses to the world's food industry and poor animal health. In the present study potency of the crude extract and green synthesized silver nanoparticles from fresh and matureMammea americanaL.leaves was evaluated on trematodeParamphistomum cervi, collected from the infected rumen of the cow(Bos indicus) in 0.9% phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The crude extract at five dose levels (1mL, 2mL, 3mL 4mL, and 5ml), and silver nanoparticles (AgNps) at the five dose levels (10mg/mL, 30mg/mL, 50mg/mL, 70 and 90mg/mL) were applied. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV-VIS spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Characterization studies of AgNPs revealed the synthesis of stable, crystalline AgNPs measuring an average size of 20-50nm. The efficacy was evaluated based on the spontaneous movement reduction and death ofP. cervi. Maximum anthelmintic activity was found at the dose of 5mL of crude extract and 90mg/mL of AgNPs ofM. americanaleaves. The scanning electron micrograph study of treated helminths of crude and AgNps revealed conspicuous distortion on the surface architecture. It also showed shrinkage of the whole body and severe damage on both suckers (anterior and posterior). AgNPs caused more shredded and torn tegumental surfaces with loss of tegumental papillae compared to untreated. Thus, this study confirmed that theM. americanaleaves extract and synthesized AgNPs can be a potential alternative herbal drug in traditional folklore medicine against serious helminth infections in our livestock industry.

Evaluation of Anticancer, Anthelminthic, Anti-Nociceptive, Antidiabetic and Toxicological Investigation of Ludwigia adscendens

The present research investigated Ludwigia adscendens crude methanol extract invitro anticancer anthelminthic, and invivo anti-nociceptive, antidiabetic and toxicological properties. The coarsely dried plant powder was extracted using methanol. The methanolic extract (MELA) was further tested for anticancer, anthelminthic, anti-nociceptive, antidiabetic and toxicological activities. Cell Viability Assay was used for anticancer testing, and the earthworm assay was used for anthelminthic testing using different concentrations. Antinociceptive tests were done on Swiss albino mice at 200 and 400 mg/kg utilizing a hot plate, acetic acid induced writhing & formalin-induced paw licking tests. Antidiabetic test was done using Blood Glucose Determination test using the dose of 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg. Acute toxicity was tested utilizing cinnamon oil-induced toxicological tests at 3000, 5000 and 7000 mg/kg. The MELA demonstrated 39.16% inhibition at 1000µg/mL in the Cell Viability Assay. The earthworm died after 6 minutes and 4 seconds in the 100 mg/mL anthelminthic test, whereas Albendazole killed it in 4 minutes and 20 seconds. Hot plate test results were substantial. The formalin-induced nociception test demonstrated strong inhibition rates of 79.54% in the early phase and 74.54% in the late phase at 400 mg/kg, compared to 62.99% and 68.18% for diclofenac sodium. Acetic acid-induced writhing test showed 77.66% of pain inhibition where’s Diclofenac sodium showed 79.61%. MELA inhibited blood glucose level very significantly compared to the standard Glibenclamide. In toxicological testing, 7000 mg/kg killed mice 2/5, whereas cinnamon oil killed 5/5 within 24 hours. The study shows that MELA has moderate anticancer, significant anthelmintic, anti-nociceptive, antidiabetic and mild toxicological properties. They may support the plant's use in conventional medicine to relieve pain, minimize drug intoxication, and prevent cancer, control diabetes and parasitic disorders.

Anthelmintic activity and pathophysiological effect of anthelmintic drugs against carcinogenic liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini.

Human liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini poses a significant risk for development of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) in Thailand, primarily attributed to consumption of undercooked cyprinoid fishes. The current use of anthelmintic drug treatment such as praziquantel (PZQ), as the main therapeutic agent against O. viverrini. There is a need to explore the efficacy of alternative anthelmintic drugs for O. viverrini treatment. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of anthelmintic drugs, which are commonly use in endemic areas of Southeast Asian countries; PZQ, albendazole (AL), niclosamide (NI), and mebendazole (ME) at concentrations of 600, 400, 500, and 500 mg/ml. The study included a negative and positive control group treated with roswell park memorial institute (RPMI) and PZQ. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, indicative of oxidative stress, were quantified using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate staining. Morphological changes were observed using scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, motility assessments were conducted at various time points (0, 5, 30 minutes, 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours), calculating relative motility (RM) and survival index (SI). The results revealed a significant increase of ROS levels with the intensity and corrected total worm fluorescence (CTWF) mostly observed in order of PZQ, followed by NI, ME, and AL, respectively. Morphological damage was presented the tegumental swelling, papillae changes, and disruption of microvilli (Mv), particularly in the group treated with the most effective anthelmintics PZQ, NI, ME, and AL, while negative control group did not exhibit such alterations. Also, the most efficacy for suppressing the motility of adult worms were displayed in PZQ treatment group, followed by NI, ME, and AL, respectively. Overall, first novel findings suggest that apart from NI, ME, and AL demonstrate potential as alternative therapeutic options for O. viverrini infection. Furthermore, animal model is needed to investigate the efficacy of NI, ME, and AL compare with standard treatment.

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

The potential of plants as anthelmintics is very large, but there is still very little research conducted in the search for effective, safe, easily obtained, and affordable anthelmintic candidates. Palem putri (Veitchia merrillii) is an ornamental plant that is interesting to study because it is included in the areca nut group which is reported to have strong abilities as anthelmintics. The study aims to evaluate the anthelmintic efficacy of Veitchia merrillii against trematode worms such as Paramphistomum spp. and Fasciola hepatica. This research employs both in vitro and computational techniques. An anthelmintic in vitro test was carried out on Paramphistomum spp. worms at concentrations of 10%, 25%, and 40% (gr/v), assessing mortality index as the observable outcome, followed by a histopathological investigation of the deceased worms for tissue and cellular damage evaluation. Seventeen compounds from V. merrillii seeds were studied in silico for their anthelmintic activity against F. hepatica worms using the quantitative structure-activity relationship technique, molecular docking, and Lipinski's rule analysis for orally administered medication. About 25% and 40% extracts of V. merrillii damaged the tegument organs in the worms. Seventeen compounds in V. merrillii seed extract, on average, yielded a higher anthelmintic index on F. hepatica than praziquantel. Eleven of the 17 compounds exhibit stronger affinity than praziquantel, with routine and gallic acid being the top two ligands (∆Gbinding values: -11.65 kcal/mol and -11.07 kcal/mol, respectively). According to Lipinski's rule analysis, only routine compounds cannot be orally administered. The seeds of V. merrilli have potential as an anthelmintic agent for Paramphistomum spp. at concentrations of 25%-40% (gr/v).

Anthelmintic Activity of Red Macroalgae Acrocystis sp. and Acanthophora sp. Etanolic Extract Against Haemonchus contortus in Sheep In Vitro

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of ethanolic extracts from red macroalgae Acrocystis sp. and Acanthophora sp. against the nematode Haemonchus contortus found in sheep, in vitro. The adult worm motility test was conducted in a factorial completely randomized design with two factors: the type of macroalgae as the first factor and the time of observation as the second factor. A total of 100 adult female H. contortus worms were randomly divided into four treatments with five replicates each. Each replicate consisted of 5 worms placed in a petri dish containing 5 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride solution (C: negative control), 1 mg/mL ethanolic extract of Acrocystis sp. (AR), 1 mg/mL ethanolic extract of Acanthophora sp. (AC), and 0.5 mg/mL albendazole (ALB: positive control). Sodium chloride 0.9% was used as the solvent for AR, AC, and ALB. The results demonstrated that, after 24 hour, AC exhibited anthelmintic activity by inhibiting the motility of H. contortus (P<0.05), to a remaining 4.00%, compared to AR (44.00%), although it could not compete with albendazole (P<0.05). Accordingly, the ethanolic extract of red macroalgae Acanthophora sp. holds potential for further investigation as an anthelmintic agent for ruminant livestock.

Antiparasitic activity of the steroid-rich extract of Schima wallichii against poultry cestode.

Schima wallichii Korth., commonly known as the needlewood tree (family Theaceae) has therapeutic uses in traditional Mizo medicine for human helminthiasis and serves as a balm against ectoparasites in animals. Although the medicinal properties have been studied experimentally, its use as a traditional anthelmintic remains unexplored. This study aimed to analyze the chemical components and antiparasitic activity of S. wallichii. The chemical analysis of S. wallichi bark extracts was conducted focusing on the secondary metabolites using petroleum ether, chloroform, and methanol. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify the specific compounds. An anthelmintic susceptibility test was carried out against Raillietina tetragona, intestinal cestode parasite of fowl. The methanol extract yielded the highest concentrations of alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, sterols, saponins, and tannins among all the extracts. Sterols were the most abundant compounds in all extracts, with flavonoids being absent. Secondary metabolites were largely absent in the petroleum ether and chloroform extracts. The GC-MS data identified cholest-22-ene-21-ol as the major steroid component. The cestode parasite was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by the plant extract. The plant extract's anthelmintic activity was evident through observable damage to the parasite's outer structure. Phytosterols in S. wallichii bark are responsible for its anthelmintic properties. The mechanism and pharmaceutical properties of the anthelmintic molecule require further exploration.

Ovicidal activity and cytotoxicity of ethanolic extract of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and green tea (Camellia sinensis) to treat digestive parasite of sheep.

The Trichuris eggs are collected from naturally infected sheep. Natural antihelmintics such as herbal medicines are needed as an alternative, such as natural compounds from endemic plants. This present study aims to evaluate the ovicidal activity and cytotoxicity effects of ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa (EECL) and Camelia sinensis (EECS) as a biological anthelmintic against the egg of Trichuris sp. The Trichuris eggs are collected from naturally infected sheep. CMC-Na solution 1% was used as a control. The treatments were 0.12% EECL; 0.24% EECL; 0.15% EECS; 0.30% EECS; a combination of 0.12% EECL and 0.30% EECS; a combination of 0.24% EECL; and 0.15% EECS. Ovicidal activity testing by microscopic examination of eggs treated using different concentrations of EECL extract, EECS, and a combination of them. They were exposed for various times (7, 14, 21, and 28 days) and incubated at room temperature. The study shows that a combination of C. longa extract and tea extract exhibits good ovicidal anthelmintic activity against Trichuris sp. in sheep. Cytotoxicity examination using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) test. Based on MTT data processed using regression analysis, the obtained LC50 from the administration of EECL, EECS, and a combination of both in a ratio of 1:1, 2:2, 1:2, and 2:1. The combination of EECL extract and EECS with the highest concentration produced cell viability of 28.46%, 17.25%, 56.01%, and 46.47%, respectively. It can be concluded that the most cytotoxic ingredient is found in the combination of EECL and EECS (2:2) at 17.25% and the safest is in the ratio (1:2) at 56.01%.

LC-MS/MS analysis of didehydrostemofoline from Stemona collinsiae roots extracts in rats plasma and pharmacokinetics profile after oral administration

Stemona collinsiae Craib., Stemonaceae, has been traditionally used as medicinal plants for insecticides, treatment of parasitic worms and various diseases in Southeast Asian countries. Its ethanolic root extract has been postulated for anthelminthic activities which has a potential for development for human gnathostomiasis drug. To investigate the pharmacokinetic profile, liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the quantification of didehydrostemofoline in rats' plasma was developed and validated. The chromatographic separation was performed on a C18 column using 1 mM ammonium acetate in water and methanol (50:50, v/v). Tetrahydropalmatine was used as an internal standard. The multiple reaction monitoring mode was used for quantitative analysis. The validated method showed good sensitivity, linearity, precision, and accuracy. The results of stability showed that didehydrostemofoline was stable in the extracted samples in auto-sampler for 24 h and in the plasma samples under room temperature for 24 h, −20 °C for 1 month, and after three freeze-thaw processes. The developed method was applied to the pharmacokinetic study of didehydrostemofoline after oral administration of S. collinsiae root extract. Didehydrostemofoline was rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The time to peak drug concentration was 1.75 ± 0.62 h with maximum drug concentration of 1152.58 ± 271.18 ng/mL. Didehydrostemofoline was rapidly eliminated from the body with terminal half-life of 1.86 ± 0.50 h. Calculated drug clearance of didehydrostemofoline was 96.82 ± 23.51 L/h and volume of distribution was 260.40 ± 96.81 L. The present study provided useful data for understanding drug disposition in the body with dynamic time-course which could be beneficial for further clinical trials.

The effect of novel aromatic heterocycle substituted aminamidine derivatives on Necator americanus.

The efficacy of current drugs against hookworms at a single dose is highly variable across regions, age groups and infection intensity. Extensive and repeated use of these drugs also leads to potential drug resistance. Therefore, novel drugs are required for sustained disease control. Novel aromatic heterocycle substituted aminamidine derivatives (AADs) were synthesized based on tribendimine (TBD), and their in vivo potency against Necator americanus was tested. The efficacy of the AADs was tested in male hamsters. Oral and IV pharmacokinetic parameters were determined in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The proteomic profiles of N. americanus samples treated with AADs were compared using tandem mass tag-based quantitative proteomic analyses. Most AADs exhibited better anthelmintic activity than TBD at a single oral dose. Compound 3c exhibited improved solubility (>50×), and the curative dose was as low as 25 mg/kg. Similar to TBD, 3c was rapidly metabolized after oral administration and transformed into p-(1-dimethylamino ethylimino)aniline (dADT), an active metabolite against intestinal nematodes. dADT from 3c had better pharmacokinetic profiles than that from TBD and achieved an oral bioavailability of 99.5%. Compound 3c possessed rapid anthelmintic activity, clearing all worms within 24 h after an oral dose of 50 mg/kg. Quantitative proteomic analysis indicated that it might be related to ATP metabolism and cuticle protein synthesis. Compound 3c is a novel and promising compound against N. americanus in vivo.

Chiral Hydroxy Metabolite of Mebendazole: Analytical and Semi-Preparative High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Resolution and Chiroptical Properties.

Mebendazole (MBZ) is a benzimidazole carbamate anthelmintic used worldwide for the treatment and prevention of parasitic disorders in animals and humans. A large number of in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that MBZ also has anticancer activity in multiple types of cancers. After oral administration, the phenylketone moiety of MBZ is rapidly reduced to the hydroxyl group to form the chiral hydroxy metabolite (MBZ-OH). To the best of our knowledge, there is no information in the literature on the stereochemical course of transformation and the anthelmintic and antitumor activity of individual enantiomers of MBZ-OH. In the present study, we describe in detail the direct HPLC resolution of MBZ-OH on a 100 mm × 4.6 mm Chirapak IG-3 column packed with 3 μm silica particles containing amylose (3-chloro-5-methylphenylcarbamate) as a selector. At 25 °C and using pure methanol as the mobile phase, the enantioseparation and resolution factors were 2.38 and 6.13, respectively. These conditions were scaled up at a semi-preparative scale using a 250 mm × 10 mm Chiralpak IG column to isolate multi-milligram amounts of both enantiomeric forms of the chiral metabolite. The chiroptical properties of the collected enantiomers were determined and, through a theoretical study, were related to the more stable conformations of MBZ-OH. The first and second eluted enantiomers were dextrorotatory and levorotatory, respectively, in dimethylformamide solution. Finally, by recording the retention factors of the enantiomers as the water content in the water-acetonitrile mobile phases was progressively varied, U-shaped retention maps were generated, indicating a dual and competitive hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography and reversed-phase liquid chromatography retention mechanism on the Chirapak IG-3 chiral stationary phase.

Cation Dependence of Enniatin B/Membrane-Interactions Assessed Using Surface-Enhanced Infrared Absorption (SEIRA) Spectroscopy.

Enniatins are mycotoxins with well-known antibacterial, antifungal, antihelmintic and antiviral activity, which have recently come to attention as potential mitochondriotoxic anticancer agents. The cytotoxicity of enniatins is traced back to ionophoric properties, in which the cyclodepsipeptidic structure results in enniatin:cation-complexes of various stoichiometries proposed as membrane-active species. In this work, we employed a combination of surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopy, tethered bilayer lipid membranes (tBLMs) and density functional theory (DFT)-based computational spectroscopy to monitor the cation-dependence (Mz+=Na+, K+, Cs+, Li+, Mg2+, Ca2+) on the mechanism of enniatin B (EB) incorporation into membranes and identify the functionally relevant EBn : Mz+ complexes formed. We find that Na+ promotes a cooperative incorporation, modelled via an autocatalytic mechanism and mediated by a distorted 2 : 1-EB2 : Na+ complex. K+ (and Cs+) leads to a direct but less efficient insertion into membranes due to the adoption of "ideal" EB2 : K+ sandwich complexes. In contrast, the presence of Li+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ causes a (partial) extraction of EB from the membrane via the formation of "belted" 1 : 1-EB : Mz+ complexes, which screen the cationic charge less efficiently. Our results point to a relevance of the cation dependence for the transport into the malignant cells where the mitochondriotoxic anticancer activity is exerted.

Evaluation of anthelmintic efficacy of ethanolic leaf extract of Juglans regia L. on Ascaridia galli: a comprehensive in vitro and in vivo study.

Anthelmintic resistance in livestock animals has been spreading across the world in prevalence and severity. As a result, researchers are exploring alternative strategies to combat this issue, and one promising avenue is the utilization of medicinal plants. This study aims to investigate the anthelmintic efficacy of the crude ethanolic extract (CEE) derived from the leaves of Juglans regia against one of the most detrimental nematode parasites affecting poultry, namely Ascaridia galli (A. galli). For the in vitro studies, adult A. galli worms were collected from the naturally infected chickens and the efficacy of CEE was measured at the concentration of 25, 50, and 100mg/ml using adult worm motility inhibition (WMI) assay. In addition, levamisole (0.55mg/ml) was used as the positive control. Likewise, Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was used as the negative control. For the in vivo studies, CEE of J.regia at the doses of 500, 1000, and 2000mg/kg were evaluated in chickens experimentally infected with A. galli. The anthelmintic efficacy was monitored using faecal egg count reduction (FECR) and worm count reduction (WCR) assays. In vitro studies revealed significant (P < 0.001) anthelmintic effects of CEE of J.regia on the motility of A. galli worms at different hours post-exposure. At the concentration of 100mg/ml, CEE resulted in 96.5% inhibition of worm motility at 24h post-exposure. While the synthetic anthelmintic drug, levamisole caused the highest inhibition of worm motility (100%) at the same time period. The in vivo anthelmintic activity of CEE of J. regia demonstrated a maximum effect on day 14 post-treatment by inducing 67.28% FECR and 65.03% WCR. We observed no significant difference (P > 0.05) in worm counts between the negative control group and the chickens treated with CEE at the dosage of 500mg/kg. Together, the results of the present study suggest that CEE of J. regia leaves possess anthelmintic properties and could be a potential source of novel anthelmintic compounds for controlling helminth parasites.

Assessment of ethanol leaf extract from urtica dioica for in vitro Anti-Helminthic properties

Helminthic infections continue to be a significant public health concern worldwide, particularly in regions with poor sanitation and limited access to healthcare. With the increasing prevalence of drug resistance among helminths, there is a pressing need for alternative treatments derived from natural sources. Urtica dioica, commonly known as stinging nettle, has been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes, including its purported anthelmintic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro anti-helminthic activity of ethanol leaf extract of Urtica dioica against helminth parasites. Fresh leaves of Urtica dioica were collected, dried, and powdered. The ethanol leaf extract was prepared using standard extraction methods. Various concentrations of the extract were tested against helminth parasites using established in vitro assays. The efficacy of the extract was determined by assessing parameters such as paralysis and mortality of the parasites. Preliminary findings indicate that the ethanol leaf extract of urtica dioica possesses significant anti-helminthic activity against the tested parasites. The extract exhibited dose-dependent paralysis and mortality of the helminths, with higher concentrations demonstrating greater efficacy. These results suggest the potential of Urtica dioica as a natural source of anthelmintic agents. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the specific bioactive compounds responsible for the observed anti-helminthic activity and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Urtica dioica extract in vivo. Additionally, investigations into the underlying mechanisms of action and potential synergistic effects with conventional anthelmintic drugs may provide valuable insights for the development of novel therapeutic interventions against helminthic infections. The study results when compared to standard drug of fenbendazole, ethanolic extract of Urtica dioica possess a good significant anti-helmentic activity compared to standard drug of fenbendazole.

ANTIOXIDANT, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY, ANTIDIABETIC, ANTHELMINTHIC, AND THROMBOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF THE METHANOL EXTRACT OF CITRULLUS LANATUS PEEL

Background: The present study aimed for in vitro evaluation of Citrullus lanatus Peel (CLP) methanol extract for antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anthelmintic, and thrombolytic activity. Method: CLP was extracted with methanol and tested for in vitro antioxidative (DPPH and H2O2 scavenging method), thrombolytic, anthelmintic, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties (human red blood cell membrane stabilization method, α-amylase inhibitory effect by using Iodine-Starch method. Results: The percentage yield was 7% and phytochemical profile showed the presence of steroid, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycoside and reducing sugar. In DPPH scavenging assay, 88.7% was at 1000 g/ml, whereas 34% to 48.9% (IC50 27.65 µg/ml) in H2O2 and from 61.8% to 95.2% (IC50 value: 07 µg/ml) in ASCOR. In in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, the maximum protection percentage was observed 58% and 44%. Consecutively, in anti-diabetic activity, IC50 values of 1137.64 μg/ml whereas reference (Acarbose) exhibited IC50 at 671.71 μg/ml. On the other hand, the inhibitory effect of Acarbose showed 57% and 98% respectively at 2000 μg/ml. In earthworms, it considered as very potential for the helminthic infection and helminthiasis. A significant clot lysis activity of 44% was noticed when the clots were treated with 100 µl of CLP extract (10 mg/ml) in in-vitro thrombolytic activity assay. Conclusions: The findings of this study revealed that the peel possessed the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anthelminthic and thrombolytic activities. These findings will be motivated to do further research on molecular level to finds into more depth which is considered as the limitation of this study. Peer Review History: Received 3 February 2024; Revised 12 March 2024; Accepted 20 April; Available online 15 May 2024 Academic Editor: Dr. A.A. Mgbahurike, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, amaka_mgbahurike@yahoo.com Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.5/10 Reviewers: Dr. Gehan Fawzy Abdel Raoof Kandeel, Pharmacognosy Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622, Giza, Egypt, gehankandeel9@yahoo.com Dr. Francis Adou Yapo, Felix Houphouet Boigny, University of Abidjan, Ivory Coast, fyapo@yahoo.fr

Arachis pintoi Krapov. &amp; W.C. Greg.–A multifunctional legume

AbstractArachis pintoi, commonly known as pinto or forage peanut, is used mainly in consortia with grass pastures and as cover plant. In addition to increasing the productivity of livestock and plantations, it contributes to the mitigation of environmental impacts (reduction of greenhouse gas emissions) and soil improvement (nitrogen fixation, reduction of fertilizers use), as well as to pests and disease management. Several cultivars that are tolerant to specific climates and soil conditions are suitable to be used as ground covers in agroforestry and silvopastoral systems, orchards, and plantations. Biotechnological and phytochemical investigations revealed the potential of pinto peanut as a sustainable source of resveratrol and other stilbenoids. Extracts from plants grown under natural conditions and from materials obtained in vitro displayed allelopathic, anthelmintic, or antioxidant activities. Other studies revealed the potential of pinto peanut for erosion control, phytoremediation, seed and essential oils production, materials for animal tissue engineering, synthesis of nanoparticles for drug delivery, and as green biorefineries to produce proteins, biochemicals, and biomaterials.

In vitro and in vivo anthelmintic effect of essential oil obtained from Thymus capitatus flowers against Haemonchus contortus and Heligmosomoides polygyrus

Sheep haemonchosis is a disease that causes serious losses in livestock production, particularly with the increase of cases of anthelmintic resistance around the world. This justifies the urgent need of alternative solutions. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical profile, in vitro, and, in vivo, anthelmintic properties of Thymus capitatus essential oil. To evaluate the, in vitro, anthelmintic activity of the T. capitatus EO on Haemonchus contortus, two tests were used: egg hatch assay (EHA) and adult worm motility (AWM) assay. The nematicidal effect of this oil was evaluated, in vivo, in mice infected artificially with Heligmosomoides polygyrus using faecal egg count reduction (FECR) and total worm count reduction (TWCR). Chromatographic characterization of T.capitatus composition using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) demonstrated the presence of carvacrol (81.16%), as the major constituents. The IC50 values obtained was 1.9 mg/mL in the EHT. In the AWM assay; T. capitatus essential oil achieved 70.8% inhibition at 1 mg/mL after 8 h incubation. The in vivo, evaluation on H. polygyrus revealed a significant nematicidal effect 7 days post-treatment by inducing 49.5% FECR and 64.5% TWCR, using the highest dose (1600 mg/kg). The results of present study, demonstrate that T.capitatus EO possess a significant anthelmintic properties. Furthermore, it could be an alternative source of anthelmintic agents against gastrointestinal infections caused by H. contortus.

Evaluating anthelmintic activity through Caenorhabditis elegans egg hatching assay

The Caenorhabditis elegans egg hatching methodology is a valuable tool for assessing the anthelmintic activity of drugs and compounds and evaluating anthelmintic drug efficacy.Isolated eggs from gravid adults are exposed to different concentrations of selected drugs and the percentage of egg hatching is determined with respect to the control condition. The assay allows the construction of concentration-response curves and determination of EC50 or EC90 values for egg hatching inhibition. Also, it allows measurements of inhibition as a function of time of exposure.This approach addresses the urgent need for new anthelmintics, as resistance to current treatments poses a significant challenge in parasitic nematode infection. This resistance not only affects humans but also animals and plants, causing significant economic losses in livestock farming and agriculture.By using the free-living nematode C. elegans as a parasitic model organism, researchers can efficiently screen for potential treatments and assess drug combinations for synergistic effects. Importantly, this assay offers a cost-effective and accessible alternative to traditional methods, eliminating the need for specialized infrastructure, hosts, and trained animal maintenance personnel. Additionally, the methodology closely mimics natural conditions, providing insights into egg development and potential therapeutic targets.This method allows for evaluating the direct negative impact of drugs on egg hatching, which correlates with long-term anthelmintic effects, offering advantages in preventing or reducing the transmission and spread of worm infections by eggs.Overall, this approach represents a significant advancement for anthelmintic discovery, offering both practical applications and avenues for further scientific research.•The C. elegans egg hatching assay is a robust and effective method for assessing the anthelmintic potential of various drugs and compounds, allowing the generation of concentration-response curves.•By leveraging the free-living nematode C. elegans as a parasitic model organism, this method facilitates efficient screening of potential treatments and evaluation of drug combinations.•The method addresses the urgent need for new anthelmintics, offering a cost-effective and accessible alternative to traditional approaches.

A review: nutrition and oral-dental health, phytochemical content, biological activity of Salvadora persica (Miswak)

Plants have been widely used by humans since ancient times. They serve different purposes, especially shelter, heating, nutrition, war, equipment and medicine. Nowadays, they are widely used especially in the fight against diseases. In this context, in this study, the biological activities and health effects of Salvadora persica L. reported in the literature were compiled. S. persica is known by names such as miswak, koyoji, qesam, qisa and mastic. It is a multi-branched shrub or small tree that is two to three meters tall and has edible fruit. As a result of literature research, it has been seen that the plant has purposes such as health care and nutrition source. In addition, it has been shown in the literature that it has biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory and antidepressant activity. The most common and highly abundant compounds in the root, twigs, and leaves of S. persica were found to be benzyl isothiocyanate, benzyl nitrile, 1,8-cineol, butylated hydroxytoluene, isothiocyanatomethyl-benzene, and (2E)-hexenal. As a result, it is thought that S. persica can be used as a natural protective agent in terms of both its usage areas and biological activities.