In vitro anthelmintic activity of extracts and bioactive compounds from Azadirachta indica and Cnidoscolus angustidens on strongyles L3 larvae in horses.

Overview

• This study investigated the effectiveness of plant extracts and their bioactive compounds from Azadirachta indica and Cnidoscolus angustidens in inhibiting the larval stage (L3) of strongyle parasites in horses.
• The research aimed to find sustainable natural alternatives to synthetic anthelmintics due to rising resistance in parasite populations.

Introduction and Background

• Strongyles are gastrointestinal parasites that are a major health problem for horses, affecting their wellbeing and production.
• Synthetic anthelmintic drugs have been widely used to control these parasites but have led to resistance, making treatments less effective over time.
• There is a growing interest in exploring plant-based compounds as safer, sustainable antiparasitic agents.

Research Objective

• To evaluate the in vitro (lab-based) anthelmintic activity of aqueous extracts and specific bioactive compounds (total phenols and saponins) derived from Azadirachta indica and Cnidoscolus angustidens.
• Focus was on their effect against L3 larvae of strongyle parasites found in horses.

Materials and Methods

• Preparation of three types of extracts:
  • Extract from Azadirachta indica (neem tree)
  • Extract from Cnidoscolus angustidens
  • A 1:1 volume mixture of the two extracts
• Phytochemical characterization was performed using:
  • Spectrophotometry to quantify bioactive compounds like total phenols and saponins
  • High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to analyze specific chemical constituents
• Anthelmintic efficacy testing was done via a larval inhibition assay using ELISA plates with two doses (1200 µL and 1800 µL) to observe inhibition of L3 larvae development.

Key Findings

• Phytochemical content:
  • Azadirachta indica extracts contained the highest levels of total phenols and saponins.
  • Cnidoscolus angustidens extracts were particularly rich in tannins and total phenols.
• Anthelmintic activity:
  • The total phenols extracted from Cnidoscolus angustidens showed the highest larval inhibition effects.
  • Saponins from Azadirachta indica also demonstrated strong inhibitory activity against strongyle L3 larvae.
  • Crude extracts of both plants exhibited significant larval inhibition, confirming their bioactive potential.
• Interaction between extracts:
  • The combined 1:1 extract mixture showed a notable decrease in anthelmintic effectiveness.
  • This suggests an antagonistic interaction where compounds from the two plants might counteract each other’s antiparasitic effects.

Conclusions and Implications

• Both Azadirachta indica and Cnidoscolus angustidens aqueous extracts hold promising natural anthelmintic properties against strongyle larvae in horses.
• The bioactive compounds total phenols and saponins are likely responsible for this antiparasitic activity.
• The antagonistic effect seen in the extract mixture highlights the importance of understanding interactions between plant metabolites when formulating herbal treatments.
• This research supports the potential development of sustainable, plant-based anthelmintic products as alternatives to synthetic drugs to manage parasite resistance in equine health management.