Planta Med 2010; 76 - P422
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1264720

In vitro effect of an aqueous extract of Artocarpus lakoocha on the intestinal parasites in cattle

N Saowakon 1, P Chaichanasak 2, C Wanichanon 2, V Reutrakul 3, P Sobhon 2
  • 1Institution of Science, School of Biology, Suranaree University of Technology Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
  • 2Faculty of Science, Department of Anatomy, Mahidol University, 10400 Bangkok, Thailand
  • 3Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, Mahidol University, 10400 Bangkok, Thailand

The crude extract of Artocarpus lakoocha has been used as traditional medicine for treating tapeworm infections [1–2]. Reportedly, the anthelmintic effect of an aqueous extract of A. lakoocha inhibited the motility of Fasciola gigantica [3]. However, the effects of a crude extract of A. lakoocha on other trematodes and nematodes in cattle have not been studied. Therefore, this work aimed to investigate the anthelmintic effect of an aqueous extract of A. lakoocha on trematodes (Fasciola gigantica, Paramphistomum cervi, Eurytrema pancreaticum, Gigantocotyle explanatum, Cotylophoron cotylophorum, Fishoederius cobboldi) and nematodes (Seteria labiato papillosa and Haemonchus placei). The activity was evaluated after incubating parasite in M-199 medium containing 250 and 500µg/ml of crude extract, for 3, 6, 12 and 24h, using the relative motility assay and scanning electron microscope (SEM). It was found that the aqueous extract reduced the motility of S. labiato papillosa, and revealed complete immobilization after 3h of incubation with the crude extract at the concentrations 250 and 500µg/ml, respectively. The motility of trematodes was progressively decreased upon 3 to 12h exposure, except for C. cotylophorum, P. cervi and G. explanatum, which remained in active movement. SEM observation showed the numerous blebs, erosion and desquamation of tegument of trematodes while H. placei showed the furrowed appearance. These results suggest that S. labiato papillosa is susceptible, whereas G. explanatum, C. cotylophorum and P. cervi are resistant to the aqueous extract of A. lakoocha. The crude extract of A. lakoocha could be used as motility inhibitor of intestinal trematodes and nematodes in the cattle.

Acknowledgements: This work was supported by the Thailand Research Fund (Senior Research Scholar Fellowship to Prof. Prasert Sobhon), Postgraduate Education and Research Program in Chemistry (PERCH), Mahidol University and Suranaree University of Technology

References: 1. Charoenlarp P, Radomyos P, Harinasuta T. (1981) Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health. 12: 568–570.

2. Charoenlarp P, Radomyos P, Bunnag D. (1989)J Med Assoc Thai. 2: 71–73.

3. Saowakon N, Tansatit T, Wanichanon C, Chanakul W, Reutrakul V, Sobhon P. (2009) Exp Parasitol. 122(4):289–98.