The in vitro effect of Ferula asafoetida and Allium sativum extracts on Strongylus spp.

This research investigates the effects of two plant-based extracts, Ferula asafoetida and Allium sativum, on larvae of gastrointestinal worms in horses in vitro. The study resulted in significant death rates among the worms when exposed to these extracts.

Study Background and Objective

• The increase in equine gastrointestinal worms and their growing resistance to anthelmintics presented a problem that required alternative solutions. As such, the study aimed to investigate the potential anthelmintic properties of Ferula asafoetida and Allium sativum, two plant species native to Iran, on Strongylus spp. larvae.

Methodology

• Fecal samples were collected from horses and tested using standard parasitology methods. The samples that tested positive for the presence of Strongylus spp. larvae were selected for further examination.
• The larvae were allowed to progress to their third stage and then harvested using the Baermann technique.
• The researchers prepared a hydroalcoholic extract from the two plant species and used it to assess its anthelmintic properties. In contrast, tap water was used as a control substance.
• The researchers ran trials for different concentrations of the plant extracts and the control substance. Each concentration and control group trial was performed three times to ensure reliability.

Results and Conclusion

• The results of the study demonstrated remarkable larvicidal effects. Within the first day of exposure to the plant extracts, over 90% of larvae in the exposure group were killed when subjected to 10, 50, and 100 mg/ml of the F. asafoetida extracts, and over 95% of larvae were killed after exposure to 50 and 100 mg/ml of the A. sativum extracts.
• The results, unlike the control group, demonstrated that both plant extracts can serve as effective anthelmintic agents, suggesting potential alternative treatments for equine gastrointestinal worms.