Antiparasitic activity of methanolic extract of Acacia oxyphylla (Leguminosae) against Raillietina echinobothrida

Abstract

Acacia oxyphylla has been used traditionally by the natives of Mizoram against intestinal worm infections. In the present study, the crude methanolic extract of the plant was tested in vitro on the cestode parasite Raillietina echinobothrida to evaluate its potential anthelmintic efficacy. The test parasites were exposed to varying concentrations of the plant extract in phosphate buffered saline and they all slipped into a flaccid paralytic state at varying periods of time post incubation. Ultrastructural observations on the paralysed worms revealed wide scale destruction of the parasite tegument with intense vacuolization of the syncytium and swellings of the basal lamina accompanied by deformities in the cell organelles. To determine the exact mode of action of the botanicals on the parasite body surface, the tegumental enzymes viz. acid phosphatase (AcPase), alkaline phosphatase (AlkPase) and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) were investigated. A prominent decrease in the phosphatase activity, in comparison to the untreated control parasites was noticeable. In view of the alterations in the structural and functional integrity of the tegument, occurring in the treated parasites, it may be assumed that the changes transpire because of a compromise in the permeability of the tegument under the influence of the test plant-derived active chemical principles.

Using plant bioactive materials to control gastrointestinal tract helminths in livestock

“…Similar to findings with chicken tapeworms (Dasgupta and Roy, 2010), when the ethanol extract of Acacia oxyphylla Graham ex Bentham stem bark was tested, scanning electron microscopy indicated severe structural alterations on the fine topography of A. galli. Severe shrinkage of the cuticle, loosening and collapse of the lips, and extensive irregular wrinkles all over the body surface were very distinct on the plant extract-treated nematodes.…”

“…Phosphatase activity was decreased in tegumental enzymes. Alterations in the structural and functional integrity of the tegument seemed to compromise the permeability of the tegument under the influence of the plant extract (Dasgupta and Roy, 2010).…”

Anthelmintic evaluation of three ayurvedic formulations: a transmission electron microscopy study in Raillietina sp. (Cestoda)

“…The tegument of cestodes comprises of the glycocalyx layer, microthrix layer, distal cytoplasm, basal lamina, and cell organelles, each serving functions such as attachment to the host, absorption of nutrients, protection, sensation and osmoregulation (Dasgupta and Roy 2010). This tegumental region of the cestode is highly prone to attack by anthelmintics (Alvarez et al 2007).…”