Chemical composition of various plant extracts and their in vitro efficacy in control of Fasciola hepatica eggs

Abstract

Fasciolosis has been diagnosed in cattle, goats, sheep and horses in southern and southeastern Brazil. Effective alternative treatments are the targets of study. One promising alternative is the use of plant extracts. The aim of this study was to perform phytochemical analysis of extracts of Eugenia uniflora L., Harpagophytum procumbens, Psidium guajava L. and Stryphnodendron adstringens, and to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of these extracts on ovicidal activity in Fasciola hepatica. Plant extracts were analyzed for phytochemical properties. F. hepatica eggs were collected directly from the gallbladders of animals diagnosed as positive for fasciolosis on post mortem examination. One hundred eggs were incubated with 3 ml of each extract at concentrations of 0.10%, 0.25% and 0.50%, albendazole 0.50% (positive control) or tap water (negative control). To determine anti larval efficacy of each plant extract, hatched eggs were counted and the averages were used. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, tannins and terpenes in most extracts. E. uniflora L. extract was 100% effective at 0.10%, H. procumbens was effective at 0.25% and P. guajava L. and S. adstringens extracts were 100% effective at all concentrations tested. Taken together, the data suggested that ovicidal activity in F. hepatica is due to the presence of these bioactive compounds.

Effect of Host Species on Hatchability of Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica Eggs from Sheep and Cattle

“…Miracidia maturation occurs within 12-16 days in eggs of both F. hepatica and F. gigantica regardless of the host species [16]. Several reports showed that the chemical composition of various plant extracts [19] could penetrate the eggshell and inhibit the egg hatching depending on the solubility in lipids [20]. Also, albendazole and triclabendazole ovicidal activity against F. hepatica eggs and the inhibitory effects of these compounds on the hatching process has been observed [21].…”

Etlingera elatior extract inhibits early developmental stage of Fasciola gigantica egg in vitro

“…Other plants possessing ovicidal activities in vitro to Fasciola eggs are E. uniflora L. H. procumbens, P. guajava L., S. adstringens and Z. officinale [25,26]. Almost all of the plants tested contain phenolic compounds, tannins and terpenes [26]. The significant results of this study may indicate further experiment necessary which is focus on lower concentrations and bioactive analysis of the ethanolic extract.…”

“…Another study showed that embryonated F. gigantica eggs are more susceptible to ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaf than the non-embryonated eggs [17]. Other plants possessing ovicidal activities in vitro to Fasciola eggs are E. uniflora L. H. procumbens, P. guajava L., S. adstringens and Z. officinale [25,26]. Almost all of the plants tested contain phenolic compounds, tannins and terpenes [26].…”

Fasciolosis in ruminants in Brazil

“…In vitro tests have been carried out by various researchers around the world, seeking to support choices of drugs to be used routinely be breeders and contribute to the diagnosis of F. hepatica resistance. Some authors in Brazil have also carried out in vitro studies using plant extracts ( Marques et al, 2020 ), essential oils ( De Mello et al, 2023 ; Silva et al, 2020b ) and helminthophagous fungi ( Dias et al, 2013 ), seeking alternative forms to control F. hepatica adults or eggs.…”