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Abstract

The current use of anthelmintic plants in tropical veterinary medicine is reviewed and attention is drawn to the lack of scientific evidence for the effectiveness of many now in use. The case for anthelmintic plants as a means of overcoming some of the serious limitations of manufactured anthelmintics is outlined. Reasons why anthelmintic plants are not generally used in veterinary medicine, in contrast to their greater acceptance in human medicine, are considered. Strategies for their development and use are discussed, in particular the need for in vivo trials to identify those plants which are effective and suitable for general use: attention is drawn to possible candidates, including pyrethrum and papaya latex. Those helminths of most economic importance should be targeted first. Anthelmintic plants offer a traditional alternative to manufactured anthelmintics that is both sustainable and environmentally acceptable. Such plants could have a more important role in the future control of helminth infections in the tropics.

Chemical Composition and in vitro Schistosomicidal Activity of the Essential Oil of Plectranthus neochilus Grown in Southeast Brazil

“…Many plants have been used throughout the world in traditional medicine for the treatment of parasite diseases [20] [21]. However, only a few plants have been investigated for their activity against S. mansoni [22].…”

Application of Plant Extracts and Products in Veterinary Infections

“…Helminths are a major cause of reduced production in livestock in many countries, particularly the tropics [23]. Several genera of parasitic worms are responsible for livestock diseases, including Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Strongyloides, Nematodirus, Ostertagia, Toxocara and Ascaris.…”

“…Although some would consider that helminthiases, or parasitic worm infestations, do not strictly fall within the definition of infections, there have been many reports on screening medicinal plants for anthelmintic activity, justifying a mention in this chapter. Synthetic anthelmintics have some serious disadvantages, such as nonavailability in some developing countries, cost, risk of misuse potentially leading to drug resistance, environmental pollution and food residues [23]. Traditionally used anthelmintic plants offer an alternative to manufactured anthelmintics that is sustainable as well as environmentally acceptable and these plants may have an important role in the future control of helminth parasites [23].…”

Efficacy of aqueous extracts ofGenipa americanaL. (Rubiaceae) in inhibiting larval development and eclosion of gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep

“…The use of medicinal plants for nematode control can reduce the presence of chemical residues in animal products and the development of nematodes with anthelminthic resistance (Hammond et al 1997). The utilisation of these extracts for the reduction of anthelminthic-resistant populations of ovine nematodes may constitute a promising strategy in herds with high frequency of anthelminthic multiresistance (Nery et al 2010).…”