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Introduction: Trichinellosis, caused by Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis), remains a prevalent parasitic zoonosis. Developing new drugs targeting and understanding the immune response against the infection is imperative. Previous research has inadequately explored the efficacy of crude myrrh extract and myrrh-based silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against trichinellosis, as well as their impact on histopathological, and immunological factors. Methods: This study evaluated the effects of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized using myrrh, crude myrrh extracts, and albendazole on the intestinal phase of T. spiralis. It also examined the associated histopathological changes and alterations in key immunological markers, including Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), Interleukin-10 (IL-10), and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Five groups of 12 mice were allocated as follows: group 1: non-infected, non-treated (negative control), group 2: infected, non-treated (positive control), group 3: infected and treated with biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (40 µg/mL), group 4: infected and treated with myrrh crude extract (800 mg/kg), and group 5: infected and treated with albendazole (50 mg/kg). Treatment was orally administered starting on the 2nd day post-infection and continued for three successive days. Mice of all groups were euthanized on the 6th day post-infection, and the intestine of each was isolated for parasitological, histopathological, and immunohistochemistry evaluation of MMP-9, as well as assessment of cytokines level (IFN-γ and IL-10 gene expressions) via Real-time PCR technique. Results: The present study showed a considerable reduction in adult worm count among the treated groups. The mortality rates of adult worms were 88.64% in the silver nanoparticles treated group, 85.17% in the myrrh crude extract group, and 94.07% in the albendazole-treated group. Histopathological examination revealed prominent alterations in the intestine of the infected non-treated mice, which were markedly restored by treatment. Immunohistochemical examination accompanied by significant reduction in MMP-9 expression in the infected mice treated with AgNPs compared to the infected non-treated group, reflecting the role of AgNPs in downgrading the inflammatory reaction in the intestine of infected mice. Conclusion: Collectively, this study demonstrates the novel antiparasitic potential of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized with myrrh against T. spiralis in infected mice. The treatment was associated with moderate rise in IFN-γ gene expression and IL-10 expression, highlighting its therapeutic efficacy against T. spiralis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Drug repurposing offers a valuable approach for utilizing FDA-approved drugs to address new diseases, including cancer, while significantly reducing the time and cost associated with drug development. In this review, we highlight the anticancer potential of anthelmintic benzimidazole derivatives, such as mebendazole (MBZ), fenbendazole (FBZ), flubendazole (FLBZ), and albendazole (ABZ), with a particular focus on their efficacy against blood cancers. These compounds operate through multiple mechanisms, including disrupting microtubule formation, regulating the cell cycle, inducing cellular differentiation, and modulating key signaling pathways involved in cancer progression. The ability of benzimidazoles to exert these diverse effects on malignant cells suggests their promise as therapeutic agents for hematological cancers. Furthermore, investigating their use in combination with standard-of-care treatments may lead to the development of novel, more effective therapeutic strategies, offering new avenues of hope for patients with blood malignancies. Drug repurposing is a strategy to discover new therapeutic uses for existing drugs, which have well-established toxicity profiles and are often more affordable. This approach has gained significant attention in recent years due to the high costs and low success rates associated with traditional drug development. Drug repositioning offers a more time- and cost-effective path for identifying new treatments. Several FDA-approved non-chemotherapy drugs have been investigated for their anticancer potential. Among these, anthelmintic benzimidazoles (such as albendazole, mebendazole, and flubendazole) have garnered interest due to their effects on microtubules and oncogenic signaling pathways. Blood cancers, which frequently develop resistance and have high mortality rates, present a critical need for effective therapies. This review highlights the recent advances in repurposing benzimidazoles for blood malignancies. These compounds induce cell cycle arrest, differentiation, tubulin depolymerization, loss of heterozygosity, proteasomal degradation, and inhibit oncogenic signaling to exert their anticancer effects. We also discuss current limitations and strategies to overcome them, emphasizing the potential of combining benzimidazoles with standard therapies for improved treatment of hematological cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we explore the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using calyx wastes from Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) and evaluate their anthelmintic potential against poultry pathogen Raillietina spp. The ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐vis) spectrum of nanoparticles showed an absorbance peak at 425 nm, confirming AgNP formation. Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR) analysis indicated the presence of functional groups responsible for reducing silver ions, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the crystallinity of the nanoparticles. Dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) analyses were used to measure the size (20–50 nm) and morphology (spherical) of the synthesized AgNPs. The dose‐dependent in vitro anthelmintic efficacy was highest at 125 μg/ml of AgNPs, resulting in paralysis and death within 0.54 and 1.29 hours, respectively, while untreated control parasites survived for ~72 hours. The SEM micrographs of the treated parasites showed swelling and blebbing of the tegument. Histochemical localization studies showed a remarkable decline of tegumental and neurotransmitter enzymes involved with the parasite's metabolism and regulation of the endogenous physiological processes. This study underscores the potential of okra calyces in the green synthesis of AgNPs and provides a novel approach to developing alternative anthelmintics that interfere with the host‐parasite interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: 1,3,4-thiadiazole nucleus is a flexible nucleus. There are numerous biological activities showed by this nucleus. Anticancer, anthelmintic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant; anti-HIV, anti- tubercular and anti-carbonic anhydrase are a few activities showed by 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives. This project study aimed to investigate the anthelmintic and in silico anticancer activity of derivatives of 1,3,4-thiadiazole. Materials and Methods: The UV visible spectrophotometer (Shimadzu UV-1900) has been used to determine λmax of the synthesized molecules. The FT-IR (Bruker Alpha-II) spectrometer was used for IR spectra (4000-400 cm-1) via the KBr disc method. Proton (1H) and Carbon-13 (13C) NMR spectra were recorded in CDCl3 or (D6) DMSO at 300-500 MHz and 101-125 MHz, respectively, using the Bruker AV-III 400 spectrometer (Germany). High-Resolution Mass Spectra (HRMS) were obtained using the Xevo G2-XS QT of Mass Spectrometer (USA) with positive ESI mode at 70 eV. Results: The bonding energy for compounds 1, 2 and 3 were all in the range -42.929 to -48.909 kcal/mol. Results of the docking study shows interactions of compound 3 with the neighboring residues and showing significant anticancer activity. The presence of o-nitro, m-nitro and p-hydroxy groups makes compounds 1 (105.77%), 2 (131.67%) and 3 (155.54%) more potent and nearly equal in terms of inhibition percentage when compared to standard ascorbic acid. Compound-1 [5-([1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)- N -(2-nitrobenzylidene)- 1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-amine] showed significant anthelmintic activity. Conclusion: The biological profiles of these new generations of thiadiazoles would represent a fruitful matrix for further development of better medicinal agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the Anthelmintic Activity of the hydroalcoholic Extracts of a flower of Couroupita guianensis on Pheretima posthuma. The anthelmintic activity of the Hydroalcoholic extracts of a flower of Couroupita guianensis on Pheretima posthumous and the anthelmintic activity were compared with the standard drug Albendazole. The Hydroalcoholic extract showed better anthelmintic activity at a concentration of 300 mg/ml, whereas the hydroalcoholic extract showed paralysis and death at similar concentrations against Indian earthworms. The other test concentrations of the extracts showed a marked degree of anthelmintic activity. The anthelmintic effect of extracts is comparable with that of the effect produced by the standard drug Albendazole. From the above finding concludes that the flower possesses significant anthelmintic activity at 300 mg/ml concentration measured by the time taken for paralysis and death of the earthworms. The current investigation leads to the conclusion that the flower of Couroupita guianensis has potent anthelmintic activity when compared with the conventionally used drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation of ×19 soil samples collected under the auspices of the Australian citizen science initiative, Soils for Science, returned ×559 chemically dereplicated microbial isolates, of which ×54 exhibited noteworthy anthelmintic activity against either the heartworm Dirofilaria immitis microfilaria and/or the gastrointestinal parasite Haemonchus contortus L1–L3 larvae. Chemical (GNPS and UPLC-DAD) and cultivation (MATRIX) profiling prompted a detailed chemical investigation of Streptomyces sp. S4S-00196A10, which yielded new anthelmintic polyketide goondapyrones A–J (1–10), together with the known actinopyrones A (11) and C (12). Structures for 1–12 were assigned on the basis of detailed spectroscopic and chemical analysis, with preliminary structure activity relationship analysis revealing selected γ-pyrones >50-fold and >13-fold more potent than isomeric α-pyrones against D. immitis mf motility (e.g., EC50 0.05 μM for 1; EC50 2.7 μM for 5) and H. contortus L1–L3 larvae development (e.g., EC50 0.58 μM for 1; EC50 8.2 μM for 5), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under-utilized fruits and vegetables are rich in nutraceuticals and have several medicinal properties. A large group of people widely consumes gummies and jelly candies, which can serve as an excellent vehicle to increase the intake of functional components. In the present study, jelly candies were developed by incorporating fruit extracts from commonly wasted segments of two under-utilized fruits (Surinam cherry and Spine gourd). Jelly candies were evaluated for their anthelmintic efficacy against Caenorhabditis elegans along with various physicochemical, microbial, colour, texture, and sensory parameters immediately after preparation, as well as during 150 days of storage at two conditions (ambient and accelerated). Ready-to-consume jelly candies (5 g) contained 0.21 g of fruit extract in Surinam cherry and 0.35 g of fruit extract in Spine gourd jelly candies. Jelly candies exhibited TSS in the range of 70.40 − 71.37°Brix, pH 2.33 to 2.84, aw 0.70–0.75, moisture 10.57–15.88%, a* value 5.33–1.27, b*value 10.66–1.28, no microbial contamination, and acceptable sensory parameters. Surinam cherry extract candy (4 mg/ml) showed a higher anthelmintic effect than Spine gourd extract candy (6.66 mg/ml) based on egg inhibition, larval death, and average adult worm paralysis time assays. These fruit extract-incorporated candies can be a novel healthier food product with anthelmintic potential, which can be an alternative to commonly used anthelmintic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The roots of Cyperus compressus (Cyperaceae) have traditionally been used to treat intestinal helminthiasis in India. This study was designed to examine the abnormalities caused on Raillietina echinobothrida Megnin, 1880, and Syphacia obvelata, Rudolphi, 1802, on exposure to the root methanolic extract of C. compressus, using scanning electron microscopy. Worms were placed in extract concentration of 30mg/mL and on paralysis, worms were dehydrated in acetone grades and images were taken. The extract was then processed for GC-MS study to detect the compounds present in it. The images portrayed damaged microtriches in R. echinobothrida and loss of annulations and wrinkled cuticle were observed in S. obvelata. Compared to the damages caused by the reference drug, the results were milder. GC-MS study revealed 30 prominent peaks where 7-Methyl-Z-tetradecen- 1-ol acetate, was the most abundant compound which was detected at retention time 20.48 and with a relative abundance of 60.49. Its efficacy could be contributed to these detected compounds in the extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Helminthiasis is a major concern in the livestock sector due to the immense afflictions in the production and economy of the farmer. Chemical anthelmintics are used to combat them and parasites are acquiring resistance against these drugs. Hence, the development of new drugs or alternatives is the need of the hour for combating such infestations. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of methanolic leaf extract of Tectona grandis on strongyles. Materials and Methods: The dried leaves of Tectona grandis were subjected to Soxhlet extraction using methanol, and the extract was tested for its anthelmintic activity in vitro using egg hatch assay and larval motility assay. A dose of 250, 125, 62.5, 31.25, 15.625, and 7.8125 mg/ mL was used for the study. Fresh strongyle ova were exposed to different concentrations of the extract and observed after 48 hours for the hatch. L3 larvae obtained from coproculture were subjected to treatment with extract at different concentrations, and mortality per unit time was calculated. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) were performed to identify the chemical nature of the extract. Results: There was a dose-dependent inhibition of hatch and larval mortality with a maximum inhibition of hatch at 250 mg/mL. There was a cent percent hatch in control wells and no loss of progressive motility in the larval motility test. On exposure to the extract, the larvae progressively lost their motility, and finally, there were caesurae of movement which indicated their death. The extract at 250 mg/mL killed all the larvae by 30 min, whereas, at 31.25 mg/mL, the mortality was 66.6% after 2 hr. Conclusion: The results suggest that methanolic extract from Tectona grandis leaves has a promising anthelmintic property and further studies are required for the isolation of active molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background and Aim: 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. Materials and Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: Phytosterols in S. wallichii bark are responsible for its anthelmintic properties. The mechanism and pharmaceutical properties of the anthelmintic molecule require further exploration.

Background and Aim: The continuous use of anthelmintic drugs has led to global issues of resistance. One breakthrough to address this problem is the utilization of bio-anthelmintics derived from active compounds in agro-industrial waste. This in vivo study investigated the effectiveness of Podang mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit peel waste extract for anthelmintic purposes, using concentrations up to 5%. Materials and Methods: This study included 28 Etawa crossbred goats aged 17 months. Goats were randomly assigned to four groups: A negative control, an aqueous fruit peel extract (AFPE) group at 2.5%, another AFPE group at 5%, and a positive control receiving ivermectin. Goats chosen had egg per gram (EPG) counts surpassing 1000 before exposure to Haemonchus contortus. For 7 days within a 9-week study, AFPE from Podang mangoes was given. On the 7th day, the positive control group was administered ivermectin. AFPE dosage relied on the average abomasum fluid per kilogram of animal weight. The feeding regimen consisted of concentrate and Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott is customized for the nutritional needs of livestock. Data on feed consumption, digestibility, average daily gain, percentage reduction in fecal egg count, body condition score, and clinical parameters were collected throughout the study. Results: At higher treatment levels (AFPE), there was a greater reduction in both EPG and fecal egg counts. The expected and normal ranges were maintained for consumption and digestibility. While body weight increased, FAMACHA parameters showed a decrease. Compared to the negative control group, substantial disparities (p < 0.05) existed for hemoglobin, red blood cells, and hematocrit in both the positive control and the treatment groups. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, indicative of liver and kidney health, were within normal ranges. Conclusion: At a concentration of up to 5%, Podang mango waste extract (AFPE) can function as a substitute for traditional helminth medicines or bio-anthelmintics in goats, enhancing their production.

Abstract Schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma trematodes, is a significant global health concern, particularly affecting millions in Africa and Southeast Asia. Despite efforts to combat it, the rise of praziquantel (PZQ) resistance underscores the need for new treatment options. Protein kinases (PKs) are vital in cellular signaling and offer potential as drug targets. This study focused on focal adhesion kinase (FAK) as a candidate for anti-schistosomal therapy. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of adult S. mekongi worms identified FAK as a promising target due to its upregulation and essential role in cellular processes. Molecular docking simulations assessed the binding energy of FAK inhibitors to Schistosoma FAK versus human FAK. FAK inhibitor 14 and PF-03814735 exhibited strong binding to Schistosoma FAK with minimal binding for human FAK. In vitro assays confirmed significant anti-parasitic activity against S. mekongi, S. mansoni, and S. japonicum, comparable to PZQ, with low toxicity in human cells, indicating potential safety. These findings highlight FAK as a promising target for novel anti-schistosomal therapies. However, further research, including in vivo studies, is necessary to validate efficacy and safety before clinical use. This study offers a hopeful strategy to combat schistosomiasis and reduce its global impact.

Chemoprophylactic prevention of veterinary heartworm disease in companion animals, caused by the vector-borne nematode parasite Dirofilaria immitis, is a multi-billion-dollar global market. Experimental use of cats and dogs in preclinical heartworm drug testing is increasing due to evolving drug-resistance to frontline macrocyclic lactones and renewed investment in alternative preventative drug research. We and others recently published data demonstrating proof-of-concept of utilising lymphopenic severe-combined immunodeficient (SCID) or Recombination Activating Gene (RAG)2 deficient mice with additional knockout of the IL-2/7 receptor gamma chain (γc) as alternative preventative drug screening research models of dirofilariasis. Here we summarise the current knowledge of candidate immunodeficient mouse models tested, including a comparison of susceptibility using different background strains of mice, different D. immitis isolates, following use of anti-inflammatory treatments to further suppress residual innate immunity, and efficacies achieved against different reference anthelmintics. We supplement this precis with new data on treatment response to the veterinary anthelmintic, oxfendazole, and initial evaluation of D. immitis susceptibility in CB.17 SCID and C57BL/6 RAG2 -/-γc -/- mice. We conclude that in addition to NSG and NXG mice, RAG2 -/-γc -/- mice on either a BALB/c or C57BL/6 background offer an alternative screening model option, widening access to academic and commercial laboratories wishing to pursue initial rapid in vivo drug screening whilst avoiding potentially unnecessary cat or dog testing.

Haemonchus contortus is a hematophagous nematode with a high reproduction rate, considered to be the main problem in grazing small ruminants. Therefore, treatment alternatives based on the use of plant extracts are sought. This study aimed to evaluate the ovicidal activity of Artemisia cina against the parasite Haemonchus contortus and to chemically characterize the extract with the highest biological activity through gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The extracts to be evaluated were obtained through the maceration technique using methanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane. The extracts were taken to total dryness and challenged against H. contortus eggs using the egg-hatching inhibition technique described by the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP). The methanolic extract (ME) showed 100 % ovicidal activity at a concentration of 4.25 mg/ml, being the most active at a low concentration; therefore, it was characterized by GC-MS. ME mainly contains fatty acids and terpenes; among them are hexadecanoic acid and 2-[4-methyl-6-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-enyl)hexa-1,3,5-trienyl][cyclohex]-1-en-carboxyaldehyde. The characterized compounds have shown previously reported anthelmintic activity so that ovicidal activity may be associated with them. In conclusion, the methanolic extract of A. cina had a higher ovicidal activity at low concentrations; this is probably due to the presence of fatty acids and terpenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haemonchosis is an infection caused by the Haemonchus contortus worm, a blood-sucking gastrointestinal parasite that can also infect humans. Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq leaves have been shown to have anthelmintic activity due to the presence of saponins, flavonoids, and tannins. This study aimed to determine the anthelmintic activity of ethanol extract of Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq leaves against H. contortus. The infective H. contortus larvae were divided into six treatment groups: a 0.5% ethanol extract concentration group, a 1% ethanol extract concentration group, a 2% ethanol extract concentration group, a 4% ethanol extract concentration group, a positive control group (+), and a negative control group (-), each with four replicates. The study was conducted in six hours, with observations made at the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 6th hours. The results showed that the death of the larvae increased with higher ethanol extract concentrations and longer exposure to the ethanol extract of Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq leaves. The time of death for infective H. contortus larvae given the ethanol extract of Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq leaves was at the 4th hour, and the effective dose of the ethanol extract as an anthelmintic was at the concentration of 0.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bioassay-guided chemical investigation of a bacterium, Streptomyces sp. CMB-MRB032, isolated from sheep feces collected near Bathurst, Victoria, Australia, yielded the known polyketide antimycins A4a (1) and A2a (2) as potent inhibitors of Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) microfilaria (mf) motility (EC50 0.0013–0.0021 µg/mL), along with the octapeptide surugamide A (3) and the new N-methylated analog surugamide K (4). With biological data suggesting surugamides may also exhibit activity against D. immitis, a GNPS molecular network analysis of a library of microbes sourced from geographically diverse Australian ecosystems identified a further five taxonomically and chemically distinct surugamide producers. Scaled-up cultivation of one such producer, Streptomyces sp. CMB-M0112 isolated from a marine sediment collected at Shorncliff, Qld, Australia, yielded 3 along with the new acyl-surugamides A1–A4 (5–8). Solid-phase peptide synthesis provided additional synthetic analogs, surugamides S1–S3 (9–11), while derivatization of 3 returned the semi-synthetic surugamide S4 (12) and acyl-surugamides AS1–AS3 (13–15). The natural acyl-surugamide A3 (7) and semi-synthetic acyl-surugamide AS3 (15) were shown to selectively inhibit D. immitis mf motility (EC50 3.3–3.4 µg/mL), however, unlike antimycins 1 and 2, were inactive against the gastrointestinal nematode Haemonchus contortus L1–L3 larvae (EC50 > 25 µg/mL) and were not cytotoxic to mammalian cells (human colorectal carcinoma SW620, IC50 > 30 µg/mL). A structure–activity relationship (SAR) study on the surugamides 3–15 revealed that selective acylation of the Lys3-ε-NH2 correlates with anthelmintic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surveillance and treatment of parasites are important features of preventative healthcare plans in zoological institutes. The parasite control strategies employed in temperate regions often involve prophylactic anthelmintic treatments during seasons where the burden of gastrointestinal parasites in fecal testing is high. These strategies are, however, not applicable in the tropics, where temperatures remain high throughout the year, allowing continuous parasitic development. A risk-based parasite management strategy was adopted by a tropical zoological institute. For parasite surveillance, routine fecal direct smears and magnesium sulfate flotations were performed to determine parasitic prevalence. The frequency of fecal checks for the year was determined by the frequency at which clinically relevant parasitism (fecal tests that resulted in the animal being treated) was detected during routine fecal checks in the previous year. A yearly anthelmintic drug-class rotation schedule was also implemented. The total number of fecal tests performed per year and the number of animals with clinically significant parasitic disease decreased by 30.0% (637/2126) and 46.9% (207/451), respectively, over the four-year period of the study. Anthelmintic class rotation also improved the efficacy of fenbendazole in treating Strongyloides spp. infecting the group of orangutans. This parasite control strategy is a targeted approach to managing preventative healthcare, reducing the work required to perform routine surveillance tests whilst maintaining the health of the collection of animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: 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. Materials and Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: Phytosterols in S. wallichii bark are responsible for its anthelmintic properties. The mechanism and pharmaceutical properties of the anthelmintic molecule require further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The continuous use of anthelmintic drugs has led to global issues of resistance. One breakthrough to address this problem is the utilization of bio-anthelmintics derived from active compounds in agro-industrial waste. This in vivo study investigated the effectiveness of Podang mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit peel waste extract for anthelmintic purposes, using concentrations up to 5%. Materials and Methods: This study included 28 Etawa crossbred goats aged 17 months. Goats were randomly assigned to four groups: A negative control, an aqueous fruit peel extract (AFPE) group at 2.5%, another AFPE group at 5%, and a positive control receiving ivermectin. Goats chosen had egg per gram (EPG) counts surpassing 1000 before exposure to Haemonchus contortus. For 7 days within a 9-week study, AFPE from Podang mangoes was given. On the 7th day, the positive control group was administered ivermectin. AFPE dosage relied on the average abomasum fluid per kilogram of animal weight. The feeding regimen consisted of concentrate and Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott is customized for the nutritional needs of livestock. Data on feed consumption, digestibility, average daily gain, percentage reduction in fecal egg count, body condition score, and clinical parameters were collected throughout the study. Results: At higher treatment levels (AFPE), there was a greater reduction in both EPG and fecal egg counts. The expected and normal ranges were maintained for consumption and digestibility. While body weight increased, FAMACHA parameters showed a decrease. Compared to the negative control group, substantial disparities (p < 0.05) existed for hemoglobin, red blood cells, and hematocrit in both the positive control and the treatment groups. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, indicative of liver and kidney health, were within normal ranges. Conclusion: At a concentration of up to 5%, Podang mango waste extract (AFPE) can function as a substitute for traditional helminth medicines or bio-anthelmintics in goats, enhancing their production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrointestinal parasitism is a major health and welfare problem in ruminants. Synthetic chemical anthelmintic drugs have led to the emergence of resistance in gastrointestinal strongyles, inducing the search for alternatives to control the infections that affect ruminants. The objective of this work was to evaluate the anthelmintic potential of plant extracts against Haemonchus contortus Rudolphi. Three plants of the Guadeloupean biodiversity, Momordica charantia L., Carica papaya L. and Sargassum spp., were selected based on their high polyphenolic content and natural abundance. The phytochemistry of plants was explored, a biological assay against the parasite H. contortus was carried out, and several hypotheses about the way of action were proposed by an innovative electrochemical screening method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

De novo drug design focused on in silico research of more effective and safe drugs is the essential stage of pharmacophore-based drug discovery. This study aimed to evaluate the anthelmintic potential of herbal ligand derivatives to suggest new drug scaffolds and examine fragment-based key-lock fit models of drug candidates to offer more potent drugs. The reversible inhibitors of the Carnitine Palmitoyltransferase 2 enzyme (CPT 2) have been evaluated as anthelmintic drug candidates because the increased CPT 2 substrate in the environment leads to the death of the nematode. Eriocitrin is a herbal molecule found in several plants, especially in the citrus peel. It has never been previously investigated for anthelmintic purposes, but it is a molecule found in some anthelmintic plants. Therefore, eriocitrin was determined as the scaffold of a novel anthelmintic drug candidate. To design new eriocitrin derivatives, positions 3 and 8 on the chromene ring of eriocitrin were chosen to insert five different side groups, such as hydrogen, propylsulfanyl, acetate, phenol, and aniline. Twenty-four derivatives designed with Biovia Discovery Studio 2020 Client were docked with the antinematodal drug target rat CPT 2 using AutoDock4.2 software. ADME properties and the binding mode of the most potent derivative were investigated. For the derivative with the best-scored molecule E05, the free binding energy was -9.08 kcal/mol, and the Ki value was calculated as 22.017 nM. E05, which had a better inhibition value than eriocitrin showed that the presence of phenol at the 3rd position in the chromene nucleus of eriocitrin facilitated CPT 2 inhibition. This research is the first study that shows the eriocitrin and E05 are potent anthelmintic molecules according to in silico docking tests. E05 is worth to be investigated comprehensively with further in vitro studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resistance of the Haemonchus contortus, a parasite causing severe anemia in ruminants, to commercial anthelmintics emphasizes the need for alternative bio-anthelmintics. This study aimed to identify the molecular, chemical composition, and in vitro anthelmintic activity of Sargassum duplicatum against H. contortus. Molecular identification employed the Chelex method, with DNA diversity and phylogeny assessed using maximum likelihood in IQ-tree. The analyzed chemical composition included proximate, total flavonoid, and total phenols. Adult worm motility test (AWMT) and egg hatch inhibiting test (EHIT) were conducted at concentrations of 2, 4, and 6 mg/mL of S. duplicatum ethanolic extract. AWMT followed a completely randomized factorial design (5 replications, each with 5 worms), while EHIT used a completely randomized one-way design (5 replications, each with H. contortus egg batches from 3 adult female worms). The cox1 gene sequence revealed the Sargassum sample as S. duplicatum (KP101270.1) with 99.83% similarity. The results indicated that the identified concentrations of S. duplicatum ethanolic extract, and the observation time significantly influenced motility and egg hatchability (p<0.05). Both factors exhibited a significant interaction (p<0.05). Concentrations of 4-6 mg/mL reduced worm motility by up to 50% (LD50) within 6-8 hours, while concentrations of 2-6 mg/mL inhibited egg hatchability by more than 87% during 24 hours of incubation. In conclusion, S. duplicatum holds significant potential as a bioanthelmintic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthelmintic medicinal plants can cause deformities in the external structure of parasites exposed to them. Sesbania sesban var. bicolor is a traditionally used anthelmintic medicinal plants used by the Santhal tribe of Assam. This study evaluates the damages caused by the methanolic extract on the tegument of Raillietina echinobothrida and Syphacia obvelata and also assesses its antioxidant activity. In addition, GC-MS study to identify the phytochemicals in the studied plant was also carried out. Worms were exposed to 30 mg/ml of the extract and the paralysed worms were processed for scanning electron microscopy study. Images obtained revealed extensive damage on the mouth, suckers, and cuticle/tegument of the worms. The study revealed that the plant possesses a good antioxidant activity. GC-MS of the plant revealed the presence of about 21 prominent peaks of which Octadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) ethyl ester was the most abundant. The activity of the plant may be attributed to the presence of these compounds which may be responsible for its antioxidant and anthelmintic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to investigate the in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of methanolic leaf extract of Solanum spirale (Solanaceae), a traditionally used anthelmintic plant in India, on poultry gastrointestinal tapeworm, Raillietina echinobothrida. S. spirale methanol leaf extract was tested in vitro at 10, 20 and 30 mg/ml concentration against R. echinobothrida. Praziquantel (1 mg/ml) was used as the reference drug. The effects of extract were monitored on physical activity of parasites, besides on the tegument by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histochemical localization of major tegumental enzymes of parasite. The study demonstrated the highest efficacy of extract at 30 mg/ml concentration, wherein paralysis of worms occurred in 8.73 ± 0.09 h and mortality in 9.76 ± 0.13 h. SEM of extract-treated worms showed damage to the scolex, with distorted suckers and shrunken body segments with distorted microtriches. The histochemical studies on tegumental enzymes like alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase and adenosine triphosphatase revealed a depletion in the intensity of specific stains of these enzymes in the extract-treated worms as compared to the controls. S. spirale leaves possess significant anthelmintic properties which validates their use in traditional medicine. The results from structural and histochemical studies suggest that tegument and its associated enzymes appear to be the key targets for anthelmintic activity of extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of the study: The growing resistance of helminth parasites to currently available commercial anthelmintic drugs, combined with apprehensions regarding detrimental chemical residues in livestock products, has sparked an interest in exploring medicinal plants as an alternative strategy for treating helminthiasis. As a result, this study was designed to investigate the anthelmintic activity of crude methanolic extracts (CME) of Saussurea costus root on Ascaridia.galli, a pathogenic nematode of poultry. Materials and methods: In vitro, the anthelmintic effect of Saussurea costus root was evaluated in comparison to commercial anthelmintic, levamisole on the adult nematode parasites, A.galli using worm motility inhibition (WMI) test. The CME of S.costus was also evaluated for in vivo anthelmintic activity in chickens experimentally infected with Ascaridia galli. For the in vivo study, one hundred-day-old chickens were orally infected with embryonated eggs of A. galli worms. The efficacy of the plant extract as an anthelmintic was assessed through two tests: faecal egg count reduction (FECR) test and worm count reduction (WCR) test. The study investigated three distinct doses of plant extract under in vivo setup: 500 mg kg−1 body weight (bw), 1000 mg kg−1 bw, and 2000 mg kg−1 bw. Results: In vitro, all the tested concentrations of S.costus (25 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, and 100 mg/ml) showed a significant (P < 0.001) anthelmintic effects on live adult A. galli worms in terms of inhibition of worm motility at different hours post-treatment. At the highest concentration of the extract, we observed worm motility inhibition of 100% at 24 h post-exposure. On day 14 post-treatment, all birds were slaughtered, and adult A. galli worms were subsequently retrieved from their small intestines. Birds treated with CME extract of S. costus root exhibited a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in faecal egg count. However, the administration of the extract at the dosage of 500 mg kg−1bw to the birds did not reveal any significant (P > 0.05) differences in the worm count compared to the negative control group. The CME of S. costus at a dose of 2000 mg kg−1bw showed the highest anthelmintic activity by inducing 83.10% FECR and 76.47% WCR. Conclusion: In conclusion, the root extract of S. costus has a promising anthelmintic activity on A. galli as demonstrated by the results of the present experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic effect of crude aqueous, methanol, ethanol, hydro alcohol and acetone extracts of Vitex negundo leaves against Haemonchus contortus eggs and larvae. Phytochemical analysis to identify the number of compounds in extracts was done by chemical tests and gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrophotometer detector (GC–MS). First off all the effectiveness of dried plant materials was evaluated on larval development by mixing powdered material (no nano particles) to faecal cultures from donor sheep. Adding powder to the faecal culture resulted into 100% inhibition in larval development at 200 and 300 mg/g of faeces. The anthelmintic activity was assessed using the egg hatch assay (EHA) and the larval mortality assay (LMA). Comparison of mean inhibition percentage of egg embryonation, mean inhibition percentage of egg hatching and mean percentage of larval mortality at different concentrations with control was performed by one-way ANOVA. The means were compared for statistical significance using DMRT at P < 0.05. For both the assays, 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) and lethal concentration (LC50) were calculated by probit analysis. Chemical test revealed presence of high concentration of saponin and flavoinoids and moderate concentration of total phenols in leaves. The antioxidant activity (radical scavenging activity, RSA %) measured was 35.47%. On GC–MS, the methanolic leaves extract revealed 30 phyto-compounds. On EHA, there was marked effect on inhibition of egg hatching by aqueous, hydro alcohol and acetone extracts. On LMA all the five extracts showed excellent larvicidal activity. V. negundo leaves methanol extract mediated silver nanoparticles were found very effective at much lower concentrations as compared to crude methanol extract. The results indicated that the V. negundo leaves crude extracts possessed excellent in vitro ovicidal and larvicidal properties against H. contortus which needs more investigation, especially in vivo trials for the control of parasite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionTrichinellosis, caused by Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis), remains a prevalent parasitic zoonosis. Developing new drugs targeting and understanding the immune response against the infection is imperative. Previous research has inadequately explored the efficacy of crude myrrh extract and myrrh-based silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against trichinellosis, as well as their impact on histopathological, and immunological factors.MethodsThis study evaluated the effects of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized using myrrh, crude myrrh extracts, and albendazole on the intestinal phase of T. spiralis. It also examined the associated histopathological changes and alterations in key immunological markers, including Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), Interleukin-10 (IL-10), and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Five groups of 12 mice were allocated as follows: group 1: non-infected, non-treated (negative control), group 2: infected, non-treated (positive control), group 3: infected and treated with biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (40 μg/mL), group 4: infected and treated with myrrh crude extract (800 mg/kg), and group 5: infected and treated with albendazole (50 mg/kg). Treatment was orally administered starting on the 2nd day post-infection and continued for three successive days. Mice of all groups were euthanized on the 6th day post-infection, and the intestine of each was isolated for parasitological, histopathological, and immunohistochemistry evaluation of MMP-9, as well as assessment of cytokines level (IFN-γ and IL-10 gene expressions) via Real-time PCR technique.ResultsThe present study showed a considerable reduction in adult worm count among the treated groups. The mortality rates of adult worms were 88.64% in the silver nanoparticles treated group, 85.17% in the myrrh crude extract group, and 94.07% in the albendazole-treated group. Histopathological examination revealed prominent alterations in the intestine of the infected non-treated mice, which were markedly restored by treatment. Immunohistochemical examination accompanied by significant reduction in MMP-9 expression in the infected mice treated with AgNPs compared to the infected non-treated group, reflecting the role of AgNPs in downgrading the inflammatory reaction in the intestine of infected mice.ConclusionCollectively, this study demonstrates the novel antiparasitic potential of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized with myrrh against T. spiralis in infected mice. The treatment was associated with moderate rise in IFN-γ gene expression and IL-10 expression, highlighting its therapeutic efficacy against T. spiralis.

Chemoprophylactic prevention of veterinary heartworm disease in companion animals, caused by the vector-borne nematode parasite Dirofilaria immitis, is a multi-billion-dollar global market. Experimental use of cats and dogs in preclinical heartworm drug testing is increasing due to evolving drug-resistance to frontline macrocyclic lactones and renewed investment in alternative preventative drug research. We and others recently published data demonstrating proof-of-concept of utilising lymphopenic severe-combined immunodeficient (SCID) or Recombination Activating Gene (RAG)2 deficient mice with additional knockout of the IL-2/7 receptor gamma chain (γc) as alternative preventative drug screening research models of dirofilariasis. Here we summarise the current knowledge of candidate immunodeficient mouse models tested, including a comparison of susceptibility using different background strains of mice, different D. immitis isolates, following use of anti-inflammatory treatments to further suppress residual innate immunity, and efficacies achieved against different reference anthelmintics. We supplement this precis with new data on treatment response to the veterinary anthelmintic, oxfendazole, and initial evaluation of D. immitis susceptibility in CB.17 SCID and C57BL/6 RAG2-/-γc-/- mice. We conclude that in addition to NSG and NXG mice, RAG2-/-γc-/- mice on either a BALB/c or C57BL/6 background offer an alternative screening model option, widening access to academic and commercial laboratories wishing to pursue initial rapid in vivo drug screening whilst avoiding potentially unnecessary cat or dog testing.

Taeniosis and cysticercosis are infections caused by cestodes, Taenia solium is among them. T.solium neurocysticercosis accounts for 30% of acquired epilepsy in human in developing countries. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of cysticercosis among domestic pigs in Mbulu district following deworming intervention. The study was conducted among three rural communities monitoring community intervention in Mbulu district between March 2020 and September 2021. Live pigs were diagnosed by lingual examination for the presence of T. solium cysticerci, and pig-rearing practices were recorded. Logistic regression was performed to determine the role of risk factors on pig infection outcome. We conveniently sampled 510 pigs; 267 (52.4%) were sampled in the year 2020 and 243 (47.6%) in 2021. All pigs were examined by lingual examination for the presence of pork tapeworm larvae, and 43 (8.4%) pigs were found to be infected. Twenty-one (48.8%) of the infected pigs were males and 22 (51.2%) were females, and the overall annual prevalence of tapeworm larvae was 9% and 7.8% for 2020 and 2021, respectively. The pigs were twice more likely to be found infected during the rainy season compared to the dry season in 2020 (OR = 2.27, 95%CI of 1.16–7.22). The reported pig-rearing practices were free-range, penned, and tethered, 141 (52.8%), 64 (24%), and 62 (23.2%), respectively. Of the 94 visited households in 2020, 78 (83%) reported drinking water without boiling, and 59 (62.8%) household leaders reported having heard about taeniosis/cysticercosis. The prevalence of cysticercosis among domestic pigs in this study was high, with seasonal variations. Despite the ongoing national school deworming and community deworming program, there was no significant change in the prevalence of cysticercosis over two consecutive years. The reported pig infections imply fecal-oral transmission with humans tapeworm eggs released from infected humans. Most households reported consuming unboiled drinking water that might be contaminated. Integrating pig vaccination and deworming, health education and school or community deworming along with improved pig management practice and general community water sanitation hygiene (WASH) are recommended to reduce the burden of pork tapeworm in the study communities.

The surveillance and treatment of parasites are important features of preventative healthcare plans in zoological institutes. The parasite control strategies employed in temperate regions often involve prophylactic anthelmintic treatments during seasons where the burden of gastrointestinal parasites in fecal testing is high. These strategies are, however, not applicable in the tropics, where temperatures remain high throughout the year, allowing continuous parasitic development. A risk-based parasite management strategy was adopted by a tropical zoological institute. For parasite surveillance, routine fecal direct smears and magnesium sulfate flotations were performed to determine parasitic prevalence. The frequency of fecal checks for the year was determined by the frequency at which clinically relevant parasitism (fecal tests that resulted in the animal being treated) was detected during routine fecal checks in the previous year. A yearly anthelmintic drug-class rotation schedule was also implemented. The total number of fecal tests performed per year and the number of animals with clinically significant parasitic disease decreased by 30.0% (637/2126) and 46.9% (207/451), respectively, over the four-year period of the study. Anthelmintic class rotation also improved the efficacy of fenbendazole in treating Strongyloides spp. infecting the group of orangutans. This parasite control strategy is a targeted approach to managing preventative healthcare, reducing the work required to perform routine surveillance tests whilst maintaining the health of the collection of animals.

Abstract Background Highlighting affordable alternative crops that are rich in bioactive phytoconstituents is essential for advancing nutrition and ensuring food security. Amaranthus blitum L. (AB) stands out as one such crop with a traditional history of being used to treat intestinal disorders, roundworm infections, and hemorrhage. This study aimed to evaluate the anthelmintic and hematologic activities across various extracts of AB and investigate the phytoconstituents responsible for these activities. Methods In vitro anthelmintic activity against Trichinella spiralis was evaluated in terms of larval viability reduction. The anti-platelet activities were assessed based on the inhibitory effect against induced platelet aggregation. Further, effects on the extrinsic pathway, the intrinsic pathway, and the ultimate common stage of blood coagulation, were monitored through measuring blood coagulation parameters: prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and thrombin time (TT), respectively. The structures of isolated compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. Results Interestingly, a previously undescribed compound (19), N-(cis-p-coumaroyl)-ʟ-tryptophan, was isolated and identified along with 21 known compounds. Significant in vitro larvicidal activities were demonstrated by the investigated AB extracts at 1 mg/mL. Among tested compounds, compound 18 (rutin) displayed the highest larvicidal activity. Moreover, compounds 19 and 20 (N-(trans-p-coumaroyl)-ʟ-tryptophan) induced complete larval death within 48 h. The crude extract exhibited the minimal platelet aggregation of 43.42 ± 11.69%, compared with 76.22 ± 14.34% in the control plasma. Additionally, the crude extract and two compounds 19 and 20 significantly inhibited the extrinsic coagulation pathway. Conclusions These findings extend awareness about the nutritional value of AB as a food, with thrombosis-preventing capabilities and introducing a promising source for new anthelmintic and anticoagulant agents.

Background: Helminth infection occurs due to contact with contaminated soils and poor hygiene practices. Even though there is immense progression in human medicine, infections that occur due to bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites persist as a crucial threat to public health. Over the years, many studies indicated cow urine has antimicrobial activity. Hence, this study looks into anthelminthic property of cow urine in Ascaris spp., and Trichuris spp., eggs. Methods: The soil sample was collected at the riverside, near the toilet area and at the pond area at an aborigine village in Malaysia. Next, floatation technique was used to isolate the helminth eggs and it was identified using a light microscope. The cow urine was prepared as raw cow urine (RCU), evaporated raw cow urine diluted with distilled water (ERCUD), evaporation raw cow urine diluted with saline (ERCUS) and evaporated filtered cow urine diluted with saline (EFCUS). Results: From the soil samples, mainly two types of helminths were found which were Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura. Evaporated cow urine diluted with saline showed the most prominent result in the destruction of helminth eggs. Conclusion: Evaporated cow urine possesses biochemical agents that can be used in the future as anthelmintic agents whereby further studies can be made to explore more possibilities to use cow urine as a potential anthelmintic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Highlighting affordable alternative crops that are rich in bioactive phytoconstituents is essential for advancing nutrition and ensuring food security. Amaranthus blitum L. (AB) stands out as one such crop with a traditional history of being used to treat intestinal disorders, roundworm infections, and hemorrhage. This study aimed to evaluate the anthelmintic and hematologic activities across various extracts of AB and investigate the phytoconstituents responsible for these activities. Methods: In vitro anthelmintic activity against Trichinella spiralis was evaluated in terms of larval viability reduction. The anti-platelet activities were assessed based on the inhibitory effect against induced platelet aggregation. Further, effects on the extrinsic pathway, the intrinsic pathway, and the ultimate common stage of blood coagulation, were monitored through measuring blood coagulation parameters: prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and thrombin time (TT), respectively. The structures of isolated compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. Results: Interestingly, a previously undescribed compound (19), N-(cis-p-coumaroyl)-ʟ-tryptophan, was isolated and identified along with 21 known compounds. Significant in vitro larvicidal activities were demonstrated by the investigated AB extracts at 1 mg/mL. Among tested compounds, compound 18 (rutin) displayed the highest larvicidal activity. Moreover, compounds 19 and 20 (N-(trans-p-coumaroyl)-ʟ-tryptophan) induced complete larval death within 48 h. The crude extract exhibited the minimal platelet aggregation of 43.42 ± 11.69%, compared with 76.22 ± 14.34% in the control plasma. Additionally, the crude extract and two compounds 19 and 20 significantly inhibited the extrinsic coagulation pathway. Conclusions: These findings extend awareness about the nutritional value of AB as a food, with thrombosis-preventing capabilities and introducing a promising source for new anthelmintic and anticoagulant agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a lack of consensus on how best to balance our need to minimise the risk of parasite‐associated disease in the individual horse, with the need to limit the use of anthelmintics in the population to preserve their efficacy through delaying further development of resistance. Objectives: To develop evidence‐based guidelines utilising a modified GRADE framework. Methods: A panel of veterinary scientists with relevant expertise and experience was convened. Relevant research questions were identified and developed with associated search terms being defined. Evidence in the veterinary literature was evaluated using the GRADE evidence‐to‐decision framework. Literature searches were performed utilising CAB abstracts and PubMed. Where there was insufficient evidence to answer the research question the panel developed practical guidance based on their collective knowledge and experience. Results: Search results are presented, and recommendation or practical guidance were made in response to 37 clinically relevant questions relating to the use of anthelmintics in horses. Main limitations: There was insufficient evidence to answer many of the questions with any degree of certainty and practical guidance frequently had to be based upon extrapolation of relevant information and the panel members' collective experience and opinions. Conclusions: Equine parasite control practices and current recommendations have a weak evidence base. These guidelines highlight changes in equine parasite control that should be considered to reduce the threat of parasite‐associated disease and delay the development of further anthelmintic resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Parasitic infections challenge vertebrate health worldwide, and off-target effects of antiparasitic treatments may be an additional obstacle to recovery. However, there have been few investigations of the effects of antiparasitics on the gut microbiome in the absence of parasites. Methods We investigated whether two common antiparasitics—albendazole (ALB) and metronidazole (MTZ)—significantly alter the gut microbiome of parasite-free mice. We treated mice with ALB or MTZ daily for 7 days and sampled the fecal microbiota immediately before and after treatment and again after a two-week recovery period. Results ALB did not immediately change the gut microbiota, while MTZ decreased microbial richness by 8.5% and significantly changed community structure during treatment. The structural changes caused by MTZ included depletion of the beneficial family Lachnospiraceae, and predictive metagenomic analysis revealed that these losses likely depressed microbiome metabolic function. Separately, we compared the fecal microbiotas of treatment groups after recovery, and there were minor differences in community structure between the ALB, MTZ, and sham-treated control groups. Conclusions These results suggest that a healthy microbiome is resilient after MTZ-induced depletions of beneficial gut microbes, and ALB may cause slight, latent shifts in the microbiota but does not deplete healthy gut microbiota diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helminths disease is one of the infectious diseases caused by the entry of parasites in the form of worm eggs into the human body through the human digestive tract due to pollution through the soil-transmitted helminth (STH). This study measured the in vitro effect of Areca catechu ethanol extract partitioning as anthelmintic against Ascaris lumbricoides worms using a 125 mg pyrantel pamoate control. The test animals used were living and mobile worms of A. lumbricoides, which were taken from the small intestines of pigs. The study group was divided into 5 groups, namely positive control (pyrantel pamoate) 125 mg), negative control (0.9% NaCl solution) and ethanol extract group A. catechu 10%, 20%, 30%. The results confirmed that the ethanol extract partition of A. catechu at exposure to a concentration of 30% showed a high level of efficacy in killing worms with an average time of death of A. lumbricoides worms at 6 to 12 hours compared to pyrantel pamoat solution. However, at exposure to concentration, 10% and 20% obtained a slightly longer average mortality time of 8 to 24 hours, respectively. Partitioning of A. catechu ethanol extract at a concentration of 30% showed the highest level of efficacy in killing A. lumbricoides worms based on average faster mortality time than the concentrations of 10% and 20% collected. Ethanol extract A. catechu has pharmacological therapeutic effects have various properties, including can be used for the treatment of diseases caused by parasites and also several other diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to rapidly determine the presence of anthelmintic drugs in sheep meat using the optimized high‐performance liquid chromatography‐ultraviolet (HPLC‐UV) method with modified QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, safe) technology. Fifty fresh sheep meat samples from different slaughterhouses were collected. A double extraction procedure (QuEChERS/HPLC‐UV technology) was used to extract the target analytes. A multilevel calibration curve from 1 to 1000 g/kg was used to establish instrument linearity for rafoxanide, albendazole, and closantel, whereas 0.1–100 μg/kg was used for ivermectin, levamisole, and oxyclozanide to find the lowest concentration, maximum residue limit (MRL), and occupied range for targeted analytes. The concentration levels were used to investigate the linearity, whereas several certified reference materials were applied to determine accuracy. The process was linear for all combinations, from the limit of quantification (LOQ) to the maximum concentration. The LOQ was established at 0.5 μg/kg for ivermectin, levamisole, and oxyclozanide and 10 μg/kg for rafoxanide, albendazole, and closantel. Recovery values were 70%–120%, and repeatability/reproducibility stated in relative standard deviation was obtained at less than 20%. QuEChERS method revealed that most meat samples contained anthelmintic drug residues, of which the majority exceeded the MRLs. Thus, the drugs should be used correctly in animals to avoid residues in food for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infection of Oxyuris spp., a gastrointestinal nematode, has been reported in reptiles around the world, including in the green iguana (Iguana iguana). In most cases, parasite control in reptiles relies on anthelmintics administration. Fenbendazole has been used as the drug of choice for parasite control in reptiles. However, the data of fenbendazole administration for Oxyuris spp. infection on green iguana (Iguana iguana) in Indonesia was absent. We evaluated the effect of fenbendazole administration (dose: 25 mg/kg body weight [BW] for five consecutive days per oral) for natural infection of Oxyuris spp. among thirty-three green iguanas in Malang Raya (Malang District, Malang City, and Batu City). The fecal examination was made through a modified Mc Master technique on the day-0, 7, 14, 21, and 31 post-treatment. The data on management (such as caging, feeding, and health program) conducted by the owners were recorded as well. The result showed that reduction of a hundred percent (100%) of egg per gram (epg) on day-31 post-treatment in all sampled animals. Iguanas were placed in individual and communal cages with daily cleaning and feeding. However, none of the owners arranged health programs such as anthelmintic treatment for their companion reptiles. This study can be used as a recommendation for future control of Oxyuris spp. in green iguanas in Indonesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complications of parasite infections, especially kidney disease, have been linked to poorer outcomes. Acute kidney damage, glomerulonephritis, and tubular dysfunction are the most prevalent renal consequences of Parascaris equorum infection. The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacological effects of green-produced zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on P. equorum infection in male Wistar rats. Thirty-six male rats were divided into two groups of 18 each: infected and non-infected. Both groups were separated into three subgroups, each of which received distilled water, 30 mg/kg ZnO NPs, and 60 mg/kg ZnO NPs. After 10 days of ZnO NPs administration, four larvae per gram of kidney tissue were present in the untreated infected group. While, no larvae were present in ZnO NPs (30 mg/kg) treated group, and one larva/g.tissue was present in ZnO NPs (60 mg/kg) treated group compared to untreated infected animals. P. equorum infected rats had increased kidney biomarkers (creatinine, urea, uric acid), malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide, with a significant decrease in their antioxidant systems. On the other hand, infected treated rats with green-produced zinc oxide nanoparticles had a substantial drop in creatinine, urea, uric acid, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide, as well as a significant rise in their antioxidant systems. P. equorum infection in rats caused severe degenerative and necrotic renal tissues. On the other hand, there were no detectable histopathological alterations in rats treated with ZnO NPs (30, 60 mg/kg) as compared to the infected untreated animals. When compared to infected untreated mice, immunohistochemical examination of nuclear factor-kappa B showed a significant decrease during treatment with ZnO NPs (30, 60 mg/kg). Green-produced zinc oxide nanoparticles are a viable therapeutic strategy for Parascaris equorum infection due to their potent anthelmintic activity, including a significant decrease in larval burden in infected treated rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaves of Phlogacanthus thyrsiflorus are used as an anthelmintic remedy by the tribal communities of upper Assam in India. The present study was carried out to validate the anthelmintic credentials of this plant. Mature and larval Hymenolepis diminuta worms were exposed to varying concentration of methanolic leaf extract of plant and parasites were observed for paralysis and mortality. At the end of the experiment, worms were collected and processed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study to observe the effect of extract on tegument of parasite. The in vivo study was carried out in H. diminuta-rat model with 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg concentrations of extract. The in vivo anthelmintic efficacy was assessed by reductions in egg per gram (EPG) and worm counts after necropsy of animals. In vitro studies revealed the earliest mortality of larval worms in 1.05 ± 0.04 h by 30 mg/ml concentration and of adult worms in 2.05 ± 0.08 h. SEM study revealed extensive damage to the suckers, body tegument and microtriches of worms treated with 30 mg/ml concentration of extract. In in-vivo studies, 800 mg/kg dose of extract showed highest efficacy, with 59% and 54.25% reduction in EPG counts and worm count against juvenile worms, and 63.16% and 66.75% reduction in EPG counts and worm counts, respectively against adult worms. Although the effects were comparatively less than the reference drug, nevertheless this study reveals that P. thyrsiflorus possess anthelmintic efficacy and justify its use in traditional medicine against intestinal-worm infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In aquaculture worldwide, most of the chemotherapeutic agents used for disease control and treatment are unregulated chemical products derived from agriculture. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of therapeutic baths with albendazole against the monogeneans Anacanthorus spathulatus, Notozothecium janauachensis and Mymarothecium boegeri, which infest the gills of Colossoma macropomum, and the hematological and histopathological effects of this anthelmintic agent on these fish. Albendazole at a concentration of 500 mg/L was used in three baths of 24 hours each, with intervals of 24 hours between these baths. Three replications of this treatment were used, and the control group consisted of water from the cultivation tank. Afterwards, hematological, histopathological and parasitological analyses were conducted. We found that the therapeutic baths with albendazole at 500 mg/L presented high efficacy (94.9%) against monogeneans de C. macropomum and caused few physiological or histopathological alterations. Therefore, baths with albendazole at 500 mg/L, as used in this strategy, can be recommended for controlling and treating infections by monogeneans in C. macropomum.

Southern brown-howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans) may harbor Trypanoxyuris sp., a pinworm parasite with documented fatal consequences in this species. Despite this risk, effective treatment protocols remain unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of two anthelmintic protocols against natural infections in two brown-howler monkeys received at the Wild Animal Care and Rehabilitation Sector (SARAS-CAV-UDESC). The protocols utilized pyrantel pamoate & praziquantel (600.0 mg, PO, single dose) and albendazole (20.0 mg, PO, daily for 5 days). Fecal egg counts were carried out daily at the Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases (LAPAR-CAV-UDESC) before and after drug administration. Both treatments successfully eliminated Trypanoxyuris sp. infections. The animal treated with pyrantel pamoate & praziquantel achieved egg clearance by day 6 (144 h), demonstrating effectiveness with a single administration. Albendazole cleared the infection within 2 days of treatment, indicating its potential as a fast-acting treatment. No adverse effect were observed in the treated monkeys. These findings contribute to the development of evidence-based treatment protocols for Trypanoxyuris sp. in primates, enhancing animal health and welfare of captive and wild populations.

The resistance of the Haemonchus contortus, a parasite causing severe anemia in ruminants, to commercial anthelmintics emphasizes the need for alternative bio-anthelmintics. This study aimed to identify the molecular, chemical composition, and in vitro anthelmintic activity of Sargassum duplicatum against H. contortus. Molecular identification employed the Chelex method, with DNA diversity and phylogeny assessed using maximum likelihood in IQ-tree. The analyzed chemical composition included proximate, total flavonoid, and total phenols. Adult worm motility test (AWMT) and egg hatch inhibiting test (EHIT) were conducted at concentrations of 2, 4, and 6 mg/mL of S. duplicatum ethanolic extract. AWMT followed a completely randomized factorial design (5 replications, each with 5 worms), while EHIT used a completely randomized one-way design (5 replications, each with H. contortus egg batches from 3 adult female worms). The cox1 gene sequence revealed the Sargassum sample as S. duplicatum (KP101270.1) with 99.83% similarity. The results indicated that the identified concentrations of S. duplicatum ethanolic extract, and the observation time significantly influenced motility and egg hatchability (p

Praziquantel (PZQ) is a drug effective against several parasitic diseases of fish caused by Platyhelminthes. The study assesses the efficacy of selected in-feed PZQ doses in eliminating metacercariae Diplostomum pseudospathaceum in grass carp. The fish were infected with D. pseudospathaceum in laboratory conditions and subsequently treated with PZQ at daily doses of 30 (PZQ1), 50 (PZQ2), and 100 (PZQ3) mg/kg bw for seven days. The treatment trial was followed by a 23-day observation period during which the fish were parasitologically examined on days 0, 2, 8 and 23. Smaller fish were infected with a significantly higher (P 7 to 12 g > 12 g. The in-feed PZQ at doses of 30, 50 and 100 mg/kg bw for seven days was 47%, 84% and 88% effective against metacercariae D. pseudospathaceum, respectively. A significant decrease (P

Efforts to mitigate production losses in small stock due to nematode infestation have birthed the emergence of several control methods as alternatives to chemical-based anthelmintics or to complement them. This results from the recent development of multiple resistance by many parasitic nematodes to anthelmintic drugs. Many of these complementary alternatives, such as breeding resistance, grazing land management, use of predators, and vaccines, have shown the potential to alleviate this menace. Still, some are expensive or require a lot of technicalities. Controlling nematode infestation using natural feed additives has demonstrated effectiveness on the disease under natural conditions. Natural feed additives are environmentally friendly and often do not have health implications for animals and humans. They are readily available, especially to poor-resource farmers; some could be relatively cheap. Therefore, this article reviews the use of naturally available alternative anthelmintics such as plant extracts, clay, microbes, herbs, spices, and organic acids in mitigating the impacts of nematode infestations in small ruminant production.

An investigation of ×19 soil samples collected under the auspices of the Australian citizen science initiative, Soils for Science, returned ×559 chemically dereplicated microbial isolates, of which ×54 exhibited noteworthy anthelmintic activity against either the heartworm Dirofilaria immitis microfilaria and/or the gastrointestinal parasite Haemonchus contortus L1–L3 larvae. Chemical (GNPS and UPLC-DAD) and cultivation (MATRIX) profiling prompted a detailed chemical investigation of Streptomyces sp. S4S-00196A10, which yielded new anthelmintic polyketide goondapyrones A–J (1–10), together with the known actinopyrones A (11) and C (12). Structures for 1–12 were assigned on the basis of detailed spectroscopic and chemical analysis, with preliminary structure activity relationship analysis revealing selected γ-pyrones >50-fold and >13-fold more potent than isomeric α-pyrones against D. immitis mf motility (e.g., EC50 0.05 μM for 1; EC50 2.7 μM for 5) and H. contortus L1–L3 larvae development (e.g., EC50 0.58 μM for 1; EC50 8.2 μM for 5), respectively.