Helminth Control: In Vitro Anthelmintic and Larvicidal Activities of Solanum surattense Against Fasciola gigantica (Sporocyst, Redia, and Cercaria) Larvae

Abstract

Introduction: Liver flukes (Fasciola species) are parasitic helminths that cause fascioliasis in cattle and humans. The Fasciola species (F. hepatica and F. gigantica) have complicated life cycles in the host snails and mammals. The cattle and human population get infected after ingestion of contaminated miracidium stages of Fasciola through aquatic plants or contaminated water. The developmental stages of liver flukes can be discontinued by terminating larval stages such as sporocyst, redia, and cercaria in vivo or by killing intermediate hosts. Synthetic anthelmintic compounds are highly effective but they cause adverse effects in the environment. Plant products are eco-friendly and safe which can be used in the control of parasitic helminths.

Methods: In vitro anthelmintic activities of different preparations of Solanum surattense such as pulverized leaf products, extracts (ether, chloroform, methanol, acetone, and ethanol), and column purified fractions were assessed against sporocyst, redia, and cercaria larvae of F. gigantica. Different preparations of the S. surattense were assessed separately against Fasciola larva after 2 to 8 hours of exposure. These larvae, having up to 48-hour survivability, were kept in tap water at laboratory conditions.

Results: Larval mortality was observed after 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours of exposure for the calculation of LC₅₀ value. Among all the organic extracts, the maximum larvicidal activity was observed in ethanol after 2 hours of exposure, the LC₅₀ value against sporocyst, redia, and cercaria was reported to be 63.21, 64.24, and 63.54 mg/mL, respectively. However, maximum activity was observed after 8 hours of exposure in column purified fractions, and the LC₅₀ value against sporocyst, redia, and cercaria was reported to be 48.25, 47.61, and 44.15 mg/mL, respectively.

Conclusion: Conclusively, the present research study indicates that S. surattense is a potent source of anthelmintic compounds which can be used for the control of sporocyst, redia, and cercaria larvae of F. gigantica.