Gastrointestinal nematodes affect the animal's health and cause economic
losses in meat, milk, and wool production. Essential oils and their terpenoids have been
shown to effectively control gastrointestinal nematodes and may be an alternative to
control gastrointestinal nematodes. The great advantage of terpenoids is the possibility
of acting on the parasite in a multidirectional way on the neuromuscular system and
body structures of nematodes. The current chapter describes the pharmacological basis
of the combination of terpenes and synthetic anthelmintics as an alternative for
increasing antiparasitic efficacy. It is necessary to evaluate if these combinations show
antagonist, additive or synergic effects at the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic
levels. The physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetic features and potential drug drug interactions at the metabolism or transport level of monoterpenes may be relevant
for obtaining effective concentrations against different nematodes. In this context, the
prediction of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) is essential to
optimize the anthelmintic action of these compounds. The rapid absorption and
elimination of monoterpenes after their oral administration may directly influence the
drug concentration level attained at the target parasites and the resultant
pharmacological effect. Therefore, investigations on the dose schedule, administration
route and type of pharmaceutical formulation are necessary. The integration of in vitro
assays, in silico analysis, and in vivo pharmaco-parasitological studies are relevant to
corroborate the kinetic/metabolic interactions and the efficacy of bioactive natural
products combined with synthetic anthelmintics
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