In vitro anthelmintic effects of Bridelia ferruginea, Combretum glutinosum, and Mitragyna inermis leaf extracts on Haemonchus contortus, an abomasal nematode of small ruminants

In Vivo Anthelmintic Efficacy of Adansonia digitata and Anogeissus leiocarpa against Haemonchus contortus Infestation Induced in Sheep

The aim of the present study was to assay the in vivo anthelminthic activity of Anogeissus leiocarpa (Al) family of the Asteraceae and Adansonia digitata (Ad) family of Malvaceae leaf powder against the nematode Haemonchus contortus (Hc) in sheep. Twenty-eight sheep were artificially infected with 3000 Infective larvae (L3) of Hc and divided into four groups. Groups 1 and 2 received 3.2 g/kg of Ad and Al leaf powder according to the body weight for three days by oral route. This treatment was repeated after 14 days. Group 3 received albendazol 5 mg/kg and group 4 received water. The treatment was repeated 14 days later. Examination of faecal samples, packed cell volume and biochemical analyses and necropsy were carried out to determine egg counts, worm burdens, and reduction in worm fecundity and changes in blood parameters. The results showed a reduction in egg excretion of 72.22% and 88.49%, respectively, with Al and Ad leaf powder. Egg laying of adult female worms was reduced by 55.22% and 64.96% with Ad and Al, respectively. FAMACHA score (≤2 in the treated animals) and packed cell volume were improved with Ad and Al. The results of this study revealed that Ad and Al powder may be used as an alternative anthelminthic to control haemonchosis in small ruminants.

Environmental impact of phytobiotic additives on greenhouse gas emission reduction, rumen fermentation manipulation, and performance in ruminants: an updated review

Ruminal fermentation is a natural process involving beneficial microorganisms that contribute to the production of valuable products and efficient nutrient conversion. However, it also leads to the emission of greenhouse gases, which have detrimental effects on the environment and animal productivity. Phytobiotic additives have emerged as a potential solution to these challenges, offering benefits in terms of rumen fermentation modulation, pollution reduction, and improved animal health and performance. This updated review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the specific benefits of phytobiotic additives in ruminant nutrition by summarizing existing studies. Phytobiotic additives, rich in secondary metabolites such as tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and essential oils, have demonstrated biological properties that positively influence rumen fermentation and enhance animal health and productivity. These additives contribute to environmental protection by effectively reducing nitrogen excretion and methane emissions from ruminants. Furthermore, they inhibit microbial respiration and nitrification in soil, thereby minimizing nitrous oxide emissions. In addition to their environmental impact, phytobiotic additives improve rumen manipulation, leading to increased ruminant productivity and improved quality of animal products. Their multifaceted properties, including anthelmintic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory effects, further contribute to the health and well-being of both animals and humans. The potential synergistic effects of combining phytobiotic additives with probiotics are also explored, highlighting the need for further research in this area. In conclusion, phytobiotic additives show great promise as sustainable and effective solutions for improving ruminant nutrition and addressing environmental challenges.

Gastrointestinal anthelmintic plants used on small ruminants in Benin: Traditional use and scientific results - Review

In Benin, livestock breeders frequently use medicinal plants to treat gastrointestinal diseases in small ruminants. The aim of this review is to list the plants traditionally used in this context and to present the scientific findings on the efficacy of these plants. An extensive search was carried out using PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Biomed Central and Google Scholar databases to collect data, with combinations of relevant french and english keywords such as "ethnobotanical survey", "anthelmintic properties", "medicinal plants", "gastrointestinal parasites", "digestive strongyles", "Haemonchus", "Trichostrongylus", "small ruminants", "sheep", "goats" and "Benin". A total of 45 published articles met the eligibility criteria. This review listed 123 plants used by breeders to treat gastrointestinal ailments in small ruminants. The most commonly used parts are leaves and barks, and the most common forms are decoction, maceration and powder. Scientific studies have demonstrated the anthelmintic properties of 18 plants, including Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides, Newbouldia laevis, Mitragyna inermis and Combretum glutinosum. The powders or leaf extracts of these plants showed in vivo significant reductions of over 50% in egg excretion, larval establishment, viability and fertility of gastrointestinal strongyles in small ruminants. Extracts of these plants also revealed in vitro inhibitory activity of over 50% on egg hatching, larval migration and motility of gastrointestinal strongyles. This manuscript highlights the traditional use of anthelmintic plants in small ruminants in Benin and provides scientific results supporting the efficacy of these plants.

Bioactive compounds from the parasitic plant Arceuthobium vaginatum inhibit Haemonchus contortus egg hatching

The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro ovicidal activity of an ethyl acetate extract from Arceuthobium vaginatum (EtOAc-E) and their subfractions (AvR5-AvR14) against Haemonchus contortus using the egg hatching inhibition (EHI) test. The EtOAc-E and subfractions were tested at 0.12-2.00 and at 0.015-2.0 mg/mL, respectively. Distilled water and methanol (2%) were used as negative controls and Thiabendazole (0.10 mg/mL) as a positive control. Treatments with a dependent effect on concentration were subjected to regression analysis to determine the effective concentrations (EC50 and EC90). The major secondary compounds present in the extract and subfractions were identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The EtOAc-E and AvR9 exhibited the best ovicidal effect recording 97.5 and 100% of EHI at 0.25 mg/mL, respectively. The EtOAc-E and AvR9 displayed an EC50= 0.12 and 0.08 mg/mL, respectively. The HPLC analysis in the EtOAc-E and bioactive fractions indicated the presence of a polyphenol, glycosylated flavanones, quercetin glucoside, cinnamates, coumarin, cinnamic acid derivative, ferulic acid, coumarate, naringenin, protocatechuic acid and naringin. Results demonstrated that A. vaginatum extract and fraction is able to inhibit the egg hatch process of H. contortus and could be a viable option for the control of small ruminant haemonchosis.

UPLC-QToF-ESI-MS identification and anthelmintic activity of Mitragyna inermis (Willd.) Kuntze (Rubiaceae)

Medicinal plants attract the attention of many researchers to find natural and safe remedies for various resistant diseases. Leaves of Mitragyna inermis are widely used in traditional veterinary medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal strongyles of small ruminants. The aim of the current study is to estimate the antioxidant, anthelmintic and the larval toxicity of the aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of this plant in addition to the hexane, dichloromethane and ethanol fractions of the hydroethanolic extract. Investigation of the most active extract using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-QToF-ESI-MS). Both plant extracts showed good antioxidant activity by scavenging the 2,2'-diphényl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and reducing the ferric ion. Similarly, they were no-toxic to Artemia salina larvae (CL₅₀ > 0.1 μg/mL). Also, they significantly reduced larval migration and motility of Haemonchus contortus adult worms (p < 0.001). The hexane, dichloromethane and ethanolic fractions of the hydroethanolic extract showed low activity compared to crude extracts except for the hexane fraction on H. contortus adult worms (p < 0.001) while it showed a poor result on larvae. It thus appears that the anthelmintic activity of the extract may be linked to the synergistic action of these compounds. The UPLC-QToF-ESI-MS analysis revealed the tentative identification of 15 compounds including 7 alkaloids. The results of the present study confirm the anthelmintic activity of M. inermis in traditional veterinary medicine.

Unleashing the Potential of Medicinal Plants in Benin: Assessing the Status of Research and the Need for Enhanced Practices

Medicinal plants play a crucial role in the primary health care of the population in developing countries such as Benin. The national universities of Benin conduct research on the pharmacological, toxicological, and phytochemical properties of these plants, but the resulting knowledge often does not lead to the development of phytomedicines for the improvement of public health. This study aims to assess the current status of research on medicinal plants in Benin. A literature review was conducted using various search engines, and the collected data was analyzed. The results indicate that research on the biological properties of medicinal plants is still in its early stages, with limited and inadequate methodological approaches. These limitations highlight the urgent need to enhance research practices and facilitate the development of effective and safe phytomedicines.

An Inventory of Anthelmintic Plants across the Globe

A wide range of novelties and significant developments in the field of veterinary science to treat helminth parasites by using natural plant products have been assessed in recent years. To the best of our knowledge, to date, there has not been such a comprehensive review of 19 years of articles on the anthelmintic potential of plants against various types of helminths in different parts of the world. Therefore, the present study reviews the available information on a large number of medicinal plants and their pharmacological effects, which may facilitate the development of an effective management strategy against helminth parasites. An electronic search in four major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) was performed for articles published between January 2003 and April 2022. Information about plant species, local name, family, distribution, plant tissue used, and target parasite species was tabulated. All relevant studies meeting the inclusion criteria were assessed, and 118 research articles were included. In total, 259 plant species were reviewed as a potential source of anthelmintic drugs. These plants can be used as a source of natural drugs to treat helminth infections in animals, and their use would potentially reduce economic losses and improve livestock production.

Anthelmintic Activity, Cytotoxicity, and Phytochemical Screening of Plants Used to Treat Digestive Parasitosis of Small Ruminants in Benin (West Africa)

Medicinal plants continue to be used alone or in combination with veterinary drugs to treat animal ailments, especially in developing countries where livestock farmers often lack access to modern veterinary services and drugs. In addition, digestive parasitosis remain a major constraint for small ruminant livestock. The objective of this study was to screen the anthelmintic activity of the main plants used in the treatment of the digestive parasitosis of small ruminants in Benin. A total of 40 extracts were prepared using the successive maceration of 10 plants in four solvents of increasing polarity. The phytochemical screening of the plants was performed, and the anthelmintic activity of the extracts was evaluated on L3 larvae of Haemonchus contortus. The cytotoxicity of the 40 extracts was determined on WI38 noncancerous fibroblast cells using the MTT assay, and the total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and condensed tannin content (CTC) were quantified in the most effective extracts using colorimetric methods. The results show that the plants contained tannins, flavonoids, and triterpenoids which may, in part, justify their anthelmintic activities. All plants gave active extracts at the highest concentration tested (1200 µg/mL). Methanol (MeOH) extracts were, in general, more effective than the hexane (HEX), dichloromethane (DCM), and aqueous (H2O) ones in inhibiting larval migration, with the MeOH extracts of Terminalia leiocarpa, Adansonia digitata, and Momordica charantia being the most effective. Nevertheless, the MeOH extract of M. charantia was highly cytotoxic at the concentration of 100 µg/mL. The anthelmintic activity of M. charantia, Vitex doniana, and Caesalpinia bonduc was studied on H. contortus for the first time. These results provide scientific information that can be used for better valorization of the anthelmintic potential of the studied plants and to initiate the process of the identification of new anthelmintic molecules.

Bridelia ferruginea Benth.; An ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological review

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Bridelia ferruginea belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae, identified as an important commonly growing shrub, is used in traditional medicine for managing arthritis, dysentery, constipation, chronic diabetes, skin diseases, bladder and intestinal disorders, oral infections, thrush, bites and as an arrow poison antidote. This review aims at providing information on the traditional medicinal uses, pharmacological activities, phytochemistry and toxicity studies of Bridelia ferruginea to bridge the gap between traditional medicinal uses and preclinical studies on B. ferruginea and subsequently lead to the development of valued added medicines from B. ferruginea.

Materials and methods

Data in this review were compiled using databases such as Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, Springer link, Elsevier and Taylor and Francis, articles from peer reviewed journals and other grey literature (short notes, book chapters, short communications) to access all the relevant information available on B. ferruginea.

Results

B. ferruginea contains different phytochemicals including flavonoids, phenolics, phytosterols, triterpenes, saponins, alkaloids and cardiac glycosides. Gallocatechin-(4′-O-7)-epigallocatechin, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 1,3,4,5-tetracaffeoylquinic acid and some derivatives of 3-methoxyflavone, such as quercetin-3-methyl ether, quercetin 3-,7,3′,4′-tetramethyl ether, myricetin 3′,4′,5′-trimethyl ether, myricetin 3,3′,4′,5′-tetramethyl ether, myricetin and quercetin 3-O-glucoside specific flavonoids and biflavonoids like apigenin, kaempferol and glycosides of both have been isolated and further characterized from B. ferruginea. B. ferruginea has several pharmacologically beneficial properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-infective, antipyretic, analgesic, diuretic and natriuretic activities.

Conclusion

The wide distribution, traditional medicinal uses and wealth of phytochemicals present in B. ferruginea suggests that the plant can be useful in lead compound discovery. Although B. ferruginea has been widely studied, further studies on the mechanism of action, bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, toxicity and side effects in humans need to be investigated.

Eficacia antiparasitaria in vitro del extracto de quebracho (Schinopsis balansae) sobre larvas infectantes de Haemonchus contortus de ovinos

El objetivo fue evaluar in vitro la eficacia del extracto de quebracho (Bioquina®), rico en taninos condensados, en el control de H. contortus de ovinos, dadas las evidencias de que los taninos condensados provenientes del extracto de quebracho (Schinopsis spp.) pueden reducir la excreción de huevos, la fecundidad de las hembras parásitas y la carga de parásitos nematodos gastrointestinales adultos en rumiantes. Se utilizó el test de inhibición de migración larval (IML) a 3 concentraciones diferentes (5 mg/ml, 15 mg/ml y 30 mg/ml) sobre larvas infectantes de H. contortus susceptibles a todos los grupos químicos. El efecto se analizó mediante un análisis de varianza y para la estimación de las diferencias entre grupos (a posteriori) se usó la prueba LSD Fisher. El test in vitro demostró que el extracto de quebracho evaluado redujo aproximadamente entre un 74% y un 80% la migración larval a las concentraciones de entre 5 mg/ml y 30 mg/ml. Del análisis de varianza surgen diferencias significativas entre tratamientos (p = 0,0494). Al realizar la prueba de comparación de medias se evidenciaron diferencias significativas (p < 0,05) entre los promedios de migración a las diluciones de 5 mg/ml y 15 mg/ml y de 5 mg/ml y 30 mg/ml, mientras que no se detectaron diferencias significativas entre la dilución de 15 mg/ml y 30 mg/ml. Estos resultados señalaron que el extracto de quebracho, a las diluciones evaluadas, presentó actividad antihelmíntica sobre larvas L3 susceptibles de H. contortus; sin embargo, se requiere ampliar los estudios in vivo en ovinos.

Anthelmintic flavonoids and other compounds from Combretum glutinosum Perr. ex DC (Combretaceae) leaves

A chemical study of the hydro-ethanol extract of the leaves of Combretum glutinosum resulted in the isolation of nine compounds, including 5-demethylsinensetin (1), umuhengerin (2), (20S,24R)-ocotillone (3), lupeol (4), β-sitosterol (5), oleanolic acid (6), betulinic acid (7), corymbosin (8) and β-sitosterol glucoside (9). Four compounds have been isolated for the first time from the genus Combretum [viz. (1), (2), (3) and (8)]. The crystal structures of flavonoid (2), C20H20O8, Z' = 2, and triterpene (3), C30H50O3, Z' = 1, have been determined for the first time; the latter confirmed the absolute configuration of native (20S,24R)-ocotillone previously derived from the crystal structures of related derivatives. The molecules of (3) are linked into supramolecular chains by intermolecular O-H...O hydrogen bonds. The crude extracts obtained by aqueous decoction and hydro-ethanolic maceration, as well as the nine isolated compounds, were tested for their anthelmintic activity on the larvae and adult worms of Haemonchus contortus, a hematophage that causes parasitic disorders in small ruminants. The evaluated anthelmintic activity showed that the extracts at different doses, as well as all the compounds tested at 150 µg ml-1, inhibited the migration of the larvae and the motility of the adult worms of the parasite compared with the phosphate buffer solution negative reference control. The best activity was obtained with flavonoids (1), (2) and (8) on both stages of the parasite. The flavones that showed good activity can be used for the further development of other derivatives, which could increase the anthelmintic efficacy.

A Systematic Review on Comparative Analysis, Toxicology, and Pharmacology of Medicinal Plants Against Haemonchus contortus

Background:Haemonchus contortus is an important pathogenic nematode parasite and major economic constraint of small ruminants in tropics and subtropics regions. This review is an attempt to systematically address the; (a) efficacy of different plants against H. contortus by in vitro and in vivo proof; (b) toxicology, mechanism of action, and active phyto-compounds involve in anti-haemonchiasis activity; (c) and comparative analysis of plant species evaluated both in vitro and in vivo.

Methods: Online databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect) were searched and published research articles (1980–2020) were gathered and reviewed.

Results: A total of 187 plant species were reported belonging to 59 families and 145 genera with Asteraceae and Fabaceae being frequently used. Out of the total plant species, 171 species were found to be evaluated in vitro and only 40 species in vivo. Twenty-four species were commonly evaluated for in vitro and in vivo anti-haemonchiasis activity. Among the reported assays, egg hatching test (EHT) and fecal egg count reduction (FECR) were the most widely used assays in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Moreover, sheep were the frequently used experimental model in vivo. After comparative analysis, Lachesiodendron viridiflorum, Corymbia citriodora, Calotropis procera, and Artemisia herba-alba were found highly effective both in vitro and in vivo. L. viridiflorum inhibited enzymatic activities and metabolic processes of the parasite and was found to be safe without toxic effects. C. citriodora was moderately toxic in vivo, however, the plant extract produced promising nematicidal effects by causing muscular disorganization and changes in the mitochondrial profile. Additionally, C. procera and A. herba-alba despite of their high anti-haemonchiasis activity were found to be highly toxic at the tested concentrations. C. procera caused perforation and tegumental disorganization along with adult worm paralysis. Nineteen compounds were reported, among which anethole and carvone completely inhibited egg hatching in vitro and significantly reduced fecal egg count, decreased male length, and reproductive capacity of female in vivo.

Conclusion: This review summarized different medicinal plants owing to nematicidal activities against H. contortus eggs, larvae, and adult worms. Plants like L. viridiflorum, C. citriodora, C. procera, and A. herba-alba, while compounds anethole and carvone having promising nematicidal activities and could be an alternative source for developing novel drugs after further investigation.

Ethnoveterinary for food-producing animals and related food safety issues: A comprehensive overview about terpenes

Alternatives to the use of conventional veterinary drugs in food-producing animals have gained attention, such as the use of natural products (NPs), mainly to soften the risks to the animal, the environment, and consumer's health. Although NPs have consistent advantages over conventional drugs, they cannot be considered risk free under food safety matters. In this way, this document presents a comprehensive overview of the importance of considering both the pharmacological and toxicological properties of the constituents of a NP from plants intending the standardization and regulation of its use in food-producing animals. Terpenes are the most diverse class of natural substances present in NP of vegetal origin with a broad range of biological activities that can be explored in veterinary science; however, certain plants and terpenes also have significant toxic effects, a fact that can harm the health of animals and consequently generate economic losses and risks for humans. In this context, this review gathered scientific data of vegetal species of importance to ethnoveterinary for food-producing animals, which produce terpenes, its biological effects, and their implications on food safety issues for consumers. For this, more than 300 documents were selected from different online scientific databases. The present data and discussion may contribute to the rational commercial exploration of this class of NPs in veterinary medicine.

Chemical constituents of Calotropis procera latex and ultrastructural effects on Haemonchus contortus

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.

In vitro effects of tannin and extracts of Bridelia ferruginea and Mitragyna inermis on the exsheathment of infective larvae of Haemonchuscontortus

Bridelia ferruginea (Euphorbiaceae) and Mitragyna inermis (Rubiaceae) are two plants of the beninese pharmacopeia used in vivo for the control of gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) in small ruminants. The objective of the present study is to explore the mechanism of bioactive compounds involved in the action of these two plants on the third-stage infective larvae (L3s) of Haemonchus contortus. Thus, sheathed L3s of H. contortus were incubated with acetone extracts of B. ferruginea and M. inermis at concentrations of 0, 150, 300, 600 and 1200 µg/mL for 3 h at 25°C. The L3s were then washed and artificially submitted to exsheathment in the presence of sodium hypochlorite solution. The role of tannins was verified by adding a tannin inhibitor, polyvinyl polypyrrolidone (PVPP), to the acetone extracts of these two plants for 2 h at 25°C. Acetone extracts from B. ferruginea and M. inermis inhibited the exsheathment of H. contortus larvae (p < 0.001) and this inhibitory effect was dose-dependent for M. inermis at the concentrations tested. Treatment of B. ferruginea and M. inermis extracts with PVPP was associated with a partial restoration of the exsheathment kinetics of H. contortus larvae (p < 0.001), confirming the predominant role of tannins but also the residual role of other secondary metabolites. These in vitro results suggest that these plants are endowed with anthelmintic (AHs) properties and therefore likely to be used as alternatives to synthetic molecules.