Exploring The Anthelmintic Potential of Commonly Available Medicinal Plants: A Comprehensive Review

In poor countries, intestinal parasites pose a major danger to animal output. Chemotherapy is still often employed to manage helminths, although parasites of greater economic consequence have developed anthelmintic resistance. Worldwide, helminthiasis, which is brought on by helminth infection, is a significant barrier to cattle productivity. As previously said, chemotherapeutics continues to be the mainstay for treating helminthiasis by overcoming many obstacles, including toxicity and chemical residues, high costs, the inability of medications to be modified, and their unavailability in distant locations. Due to many limitations, including the high expense of these medications, the typical emergence of nematode-resistant populations, and the potential for environmental and animal product contamination, control options are being sought. Due to their ecological acceptability and sustainable supply, the use of medicinal herbs for the aforementioned issue has been more widely accepted since ancient times.^[1]

1) Snake Plant:

Fig No.1: Draceana trifasciata

The biological source of the snake plant is Dracaena trifasciata a member of the family Asparagaceae. It Is referred to as the Sansevieria trifasciata. The  leaves of this plant contains β-sitosterol, ruscogenin, neoruscogenin, and two spirostan sapogenins: 25S-ruscogenin and sansevierigenin.". Initial phytochemical and physicochemical analyses of the leaves revealed the presence of alkaloids, α-amino acids, glycosides, carbohydrates, reducing sugars, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, steroids, and trace amounts of terpenoids. The in vitro anthelmintic potential of D. trifasciata leaf extracts was evaluated against Fasciola hepatica. The study demonstrated that varying concentrations of the extracts resulted in parasite death over different average time periods. In traditional medicine, both the roots and leaves are utilized to treat a range of conditions, including cough, asthma, colic, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, menorrhagia, piles, high blood pressure, sexual debility, foot sores, leprosy, nutritional deficiencies, swollen glands, rheumatism, and snake bites. In Chinese medicine, a decoction of the plant is employed for treating cough, bronchitis, detoxification, inflammation, skin boils, injuries from trauma, and snake bites. It also contains pharmacological activities such as analgesic, antipyretic, anti-ulcerative, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, anthelmintic, hepatoprotective, anti-alopecia, wound healing, etc.^[2]

2) Aloe Vera:

Fig No.2: Aloe berbadensis Miller

The biological source of aloe vera is Aloe berbadensis Millerbelonging to the family Liliaceae. It is also known as Kumari or Musabbar in some demographic areas. It is a shrubby or arborescent, perpetual, xerophytic, juicy, pea-green coloured plant. There are over 300 species of aloe vera in the whole world. It contains chemical constituents such as three isomers of alones, barboloin and isobarbaloin, which constitute the purported crystalline aloin, showing within the pharmaceutical at from 10 to 30% constituents are unclear aloin, sap, emodin and Aloe-emodin^[3].The preliminary phytochemical screening of alcoholic extracts of aloe vera contains gums, mucilage, resins, alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides and saponins. From these constituents, the mucilage, glycosides, flavonoids and phenolic compounds are responsible for the anthelmintic activity of aloe vera^[4]. The anthelmintic activity of aloe is tested by using the Fasciola hepatica worm. The aqueous aloe vera extracts show low anthelmintic activity compared to the ethanolic extracts. The polyphenol oxidase enzyme present in the aqueous extract decreases the polyphenol level, which is inactive in ethanolic extract. Also the ethanolic extracts contain higher concentrations of resins, gums and mucilage^[4]. Hence, it is concluded that Aloe berbadensis Miller shows potential anthelmintic activity. And also the synergistic effect is shown by the alcoholic as well as the aqueous extracts of the Ale berbadensis Miller + Boswellia serrata combination^[4]. Aloe vera is cathartic, carminative, deobstuent, diuretic, stomachic, emmenagogue, and anthelmintic. Aloe vera juice is used as skin medicine, for dyspepsia, amenorrhea, smolders, colic, hyperdenosis, hepatopathy, and splenopathy. It is also used to treat ulcerative colitis and weight ulcers.^[3]

3) Walnut:

Fig No.3: Juglans regia Linn

The biological source of walnuts is Juglans regia Linn a member of the family Juglandaceae. It is commonly known as Echte walnut or Akhrot^[5]. The leaves, bark and kernels of walnut contain alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, carbohydrates, steroids and various amino acids^[5]. The stem of walnut contains steroids, tannins, flavonoids and cardiac glycosides which are responsible for its anthelmintic activity^[6]. The death time and paralysis time tests were performed, and it was concluded that the acetone and aqueous extracts exhibited moderate anthelmintic activity against the Indian earthworm Pheretima posthuma, whereas the benzene and methanolic extracts showed notable effectiveness, surpassing that of the standard drug albendazole^[6]. The acetone extracts of the stem of walnut also possess significant anthelmintic activity at all dilutions against Eisenia foetida in relation  to the standard drug albendazole^[7]. The walnut possesses different therapeutic uses such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, anticancer, antimicrobial and antihypertensive. In folk medicine, walnuts are employed in the management of various health conditions. ^[5]

4)Tamarind:

Fig No.4: Tamarindus indica Linn

The biological source of tamarind is Tamarindus indica Linn, a member of the family fabaceae. It is commonly known as the Chincha, Imli and Amlika in Ayurveda ^[8]. It is rich in nutrients. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of whole seeds and pulp powder of the plant contain alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, saponins, flavonoids and reducing sugars. The active chemical constituent of the tamarind is the tartaric acid^[8]. The tamarind leaves contain carbohydrates, flavonoids, pectins, tartaric acid, dihydrobutanedioic acid and tannins. From which tannins are responsible for its anthelmintic activity^[9]. The death time and paralysis time were studied on the Indian earthworm Pheretima posthuma and it was determined that Tamarindus indica Linn juice demonstrates considerable anthelmintic effects in comparison to the standard drug, piperazine citrate. ^[9]. The traditional uses of tamarind are antidiabetic, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, laxative, hepatoprotective, antifertility and alleviate sunstroke. The pulp of the tamarind is also used for beverages and candies as a flavouring agent^.[8]

5) Papaya:

Fig No.5: Carica papaya

The biological source of papaya is Carica papaya belonging to the family Caricaceae^[10]. Papaya is rapidly growing, short-lived woody plant that can reach heights of 10-12 feet^[10]. The papaya possesses potent antimicrobial activity. Papaya fruit is an antioxidant as it contains carotene, vitamin C, vitamin B, flavonoids, folate and minerals such as potassium and magnesium^[10]. Papaya leaves contain a variety of compounds, including proteolytic enzymes like papain and chymopapain, alkaloids such as caprin and carpasemine, sulfur-containing substances like benzyl isothiocyanate, as well as flavonoids, triterpenes, carotenoids, tannins, organic acids like vanillic, ferulic, caffeic, and coumaric acids, saponins, and oils.^[10]. The papaya seeds are anthelmintic in nature^[10]. Also, the papaya’s latex exhibits anthelmintic activity at different concentrations as it contains papain, chymopapain, caricain, glycyl endopeptidase and papaya lipase^[11]. Death time and paralysis time of papaya latex at different concentrations were performed by using the Indian earthworm Pheretimaposthuma. It was concluded that the Piperazine citrate works by causing flaccid paralysis in experimental worms, which results in their expulsion through peristalsis. Comparing the latex of papaya showed significant anthelmintic activity, outperforming the control group with Piperazine citrate (10mg/ml).^[11]

6) Sicklepod:

Fig No.6: Cassia tora Linn

The biological source of sicklepod is Cassia tora Linn belonging to the family Leguminosae. In Ayurveda, it is referred to as Chakramard, while in Unani, it is called Panwar.. It is an annual foetid plant, 30-90 cm high^[12]. The phytochemical screening states that it contains anthraquinone glycosides, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids,resins, mucilage and sugars^[12]. From all these constituents carbohydrates, tannins, glycosides, terpenes and steroids are responsible for sickle pod's anthelmintic activity ^[13]. The anthelmintic properties of the alcoholic extracts from the seeds of sicklepod were tested against the two types of worms Pheretimaposthuma and Ascaridia galli. The extracts were combined with distilled water to prepare three concentrations: 25, 50, and 100 mg/ml. At the highest concentration of 100 mg/ml, both extracts exhibited significant activity. For comparison, piperazine citrate was used as the standard drug at the same concentration, while distilled water served as the control. Additionally, the methanolic extract at concentrations of 10, 25, and 50 mg/ml demonstrated notable anthelmintic activity when compared to the standard drug albendazole (20 mg/ml), assessed by both death time and paralysis time. Traditionally, sicklepod is known for its wide range of medicinal properties, including its roles as a laxative, antiseptic, antioxidant, and antiperiodic. It is also utilized in treating conditions such as leprosy, ringworm, bronchitis, heart diseases, liver diseases, hemorrhoids, as well as ophthalmic and skin disorders. ^[12]

7) Turmeric:

Fig No.7: Curcuma longa

The biological source of turmeric is Curcuma longa belonging to the family Zingiberaceae. Preliminary phytochemical investigations of turmeric rhizome were conducted using various solvents such as aqueous, acetone, ethanol, chloroform, and methanol extracts. The extracts were analyzed using standard precipitation and coloration tests. The findings indicated the presence of bioactive compounds such as carbohydrates, proteins, alkaloids, glycosides, terpenes, steroids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins. Among these, curcumin was identified as the most active and effective chemical constituent. These extracts were tested using common precipitation and coloration reactions. The results revealed the presence of bioactive compounds including carbohydrates, proteins, alkaloids, glycosides, terpenes, steroids, flavonoids, tannins and saponins. And the most active and most effective chemical constituent is curcumin. These compounds are believed to contribute to the therapeutic properties of turmeric including its potential anthelmintic and antimicrobial activities^[14]. The study tested the anthelmintic activity of turmeric rhizome extracts against Haemonchus spp. parasites ingoats. Both the aqueous  (AE) and methanolic (ME) extracts showed dose-dependent effects, with the ME proving more effective than the AE. The paralysis and death times of worms exposed to different concentrations of the extracts, with results indicating that higher concentrations led to better anthelmintic activity. At 1 mg/ml, the ME caused paralysis in 139 min and death in 175.3 min, outperforming the AE which took 159.7 min for paralysis and 198 min for death. These results were compared with the standard drug, albendazole, which caused paralysis in 32 min and death in 57.3 min. The extracts contained tannins, saponins, phenols, and alkaloids, which are responsible for antiparasitic activity. The study suggests that turmeric could be explored further as a cost-effective treatment for parasitic infections ^[15]. Turmeric rhizomes are known to purify the blood, act as a tonic for the brain and heart, and are used in the treatment of leukoderma, piles, bronchitis, asthma, tumors, tuberculosis, spleen enlargement, and to control leucorrheal and gonorrheal discharges. Ancient Hindu texts describe turmeric as an aromatic stimulant and carminative. ^[14,15]. Recently, turmeric powder has been used in traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal diseases, particularly biliary and hepatic disorders, diabetic wounds, rheumatism, inflammation, sinusitis, anorexia, coryza, and cough. Turmeric is known for its various health benefits, including anticancer, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-fertility, anti-venom, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and anticoagulant properties, and it also exhibits anti-HIV activity, helping to combat AIDS. ^[14,15]

8) Chicory:

Fig No.8: Cichorium intybus

The biological source of chicory is Cichorium intybus a member of the family Asteraceae. It is commonly known as Coffee weed or Blue daisy ^[16]. The chicory contains phytochemicals such as polyphenols, terpenoids, saponins, volatile oils, amino acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, fatty acids, alkaloids, and phytosterols^[16]. From all these chemical constituents, sesquiterpenes are responsible for its anthelmintic activity^[17]. The anthelmintic activity of chicory on Cooperia oncophorawas tested using in vitro testing, The study concluded that chicory extract inhibited egg hatching and induced paralysis in adult worms in a dose-dependent manner. While no in vivo effects were observed in previous cattle studies, the researcher suggests this may be due to host-mediated factors or digestive conditions, rather than a lack of activity in the chicory extract. The results support chicory as a potential natural alternative to reduce reliance on anti-parasitic drugs in livestock^[17]. Medicinally chicory is useful as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, sedative, cardiovascular, immunological, anticancer, antidiabetic and antimicrobial.^[18]

9)Betel Leaves:

Fig No.9: Piper betel Linn

The biological source of betel leaves is Piper betel Linn a member of the family Piperaceae. It is also known as Paan in Indian languages, used for improving the digestion process. Initial phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids including piperine, nicotine, and berberine, phenolic compounds like eugenol, hydroxy-chavicol, and chavibetol, flavonoids such as estragole and anethole, vitamins like β-carotene, α-tocopherol, and vitamin C, as well as acids including hexadeconic and chlorogenic acid, along with eugenol acetate and safrole^[19]. All of these tannins, saponins, alkaloids, glycosides,etc. are responsible for their anthelmintic activity^[20]. The death time and paralysis time were measured using Pheretima posthuma with test concentrations of 10, 20, 40, 60, and 80 mg/ml, compared to the standard drug albendazole (10 mg/ml). It was concluded that the methanolic extracts of betel leaves possess wormicidal properties. Hence, it may be used as an anthelmintic^[20]. The betel leaves are used as digestant, anti-inflammatory, carminative, anti-allergic, antimutagenic, anticancer and anti-tumor. And also used in nutraceutical foodstuffs and products.^[19]

10) Milkweed::

Fig No.10: Calotropis procera

The biological source of milkweed is Calotropis procera belonging to the family Apocyanaceae. Plants of this genus are referred to as milkweed because they produce a white, sticky latex from various parts of the plant. This Calotropis procera species is more poisonous than other species like Calotropis gigantica^[21]. It is also known as  Sodom Apple and Rakta Arka in Ayurveda^[21,22]. It is a highly toxic plant, with stems and the roots are more toxic than the leaves. The plant contains harmful glycosides such as calotropin, calotoxin, uscharin, and calactin, which can lead to serious health consequences. Latex is especially dangerous, being caustic and neurotoxic, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, convulsions, and death. It can cause eye damage and vision issues if it enters the eyes. But the plant also has a defense mechanism where the concentration of calactin increases when attacked by insects, preventing grazing by animals. Additionally, a protein in the latex called osmotin protects the plant against pathogens^[21]. The phytochemical studies reveal that Calotropis procera contains cardenolides, flavonoids, sterols, oxypregnanes, triterpenoids, glycosides, etc.^[21]. In vivo, studies on sheep infected with mixed species of nematodes revealed that milkweed extracts exhibit strong anthelmintic activity. The crude aqueous extract(CAE), showed the most significant reduction in egg count (88.4%), followed by the crude powder(CP) at 77.8%, and the crude methanolic extract(CME) at 20.9%. These results suggest that the aqueous extract of  milkweed has excellent potential as a natural anthelmintic agent for controlling parasitic infections in livestock^[21]. In vitro studies on Haemonchus contortus showed that both aqueous and fresh latex of milkweed exhibit dose-dependent wormicidal activity. At higher concentrations, the latex caused paralysis and death of the worms within 60-90 min, similar to the effects of Piperazine citrate. These results suggest that milkweed latex has potential as a natural anthelmintic agent for controlling parasitic infections^[21]. The plant has various medicinal properties. When dried, it acts as a tonic, anthelmintic, and expectorant. The roots are used as a laxative and for treating bronchitis, asthma, leprosy, eczema, and paralysis. The latex treats vertigo, hair loss, toothache, fevers, joint swelling, and paralysis. The leaves help with joint pain and swelling.^{[22]Top of FormBottom of Form}

Phytochemicals responsible for the anthelmintic activity:

These phytochemicals present in the above plants are responsible for the anthelmintic activity. ^[23,24]