ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Fasciolosis caused by Fasciola gigantica remains a major parasitic disease affecting ruminant livestock, leading to substantial economic losses through decreased productivity, liver condemnation, and mortality, while also posing a zoonotic threat. The prolonged and indiscriminate use of synthetic anthelmintics has contributed to the emergence of drug-resistant parasite populations, emphasizing the urgent need for alternative and sustainable control strategies. Medicinal plants rich in bioactive phytochemicals have gained attention as potential natural anthelmintic agents. Green tea (Camellia sinensis) contains tannins and catechins with antiparasitic properties, whereas turmeric (Curcuma longa) is rich in curcuminoids known to disrupt parasite metabolism and structural integrity. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the combined ovicidal and anthelmintic activities of ethanolic extracts of green tea and turmeric against F. gigantica under in vitro conditions.

Materials and Methods: Adult worms and eggs of F. gigantica were collected from naturally infected cattle. Six treatment groups were established, including physiological saline as the negative control, nitroxynil 10% as the positive control, and four combinations of green tea and turmeric extracts at different concentrations. Ovicidal activity was evaluated based on egg degeneration after 16 days of incubation, whereas adulticidal activity was assessed through worm mortality at multiple exposure times. Histopathological examination using hematoxylin and eosin staining and ultrastructural evaluation using scanning electron microscopy were performed to identify tissue and tegumental alterations. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way analysis of variance followed by Duncan’s multiple range test.

Results: The combined extracts demonstrated concentration- and time-dependent ovicidal and anthelmintic activities against F. gigantica. The highest extract concentration produced the greatest percentage of egg degeneration, characterized by eggshell rupture, membrane damage, abnormal morphology, and failure of embryonic development. Adult worm mortality increased progressively with exposure time, and complete mortality was observed at prolonged exposure periods in all extract-treated groups. Histopathological and ultrastructural analyses revealed marked tegumental disruption, spine deformation, erosion of the oral and ventral suckers, rupture of the intestinal lumen, and surface exfoliation in treated worms. Although nitroxynil induced more rapid effects, the combined extracts exhibited substantial antiparasitic activity at higher concentrations and longer exposure times.

Conclusion: Combined ethanolic extracts of green tea and turmeric exhibited significant ovicidal and anthelmintic activities against F. gigantica under in vitro conditions. The findings suggest that these plant-derived extracts may serve as promising natural alternatives for controlling fasciolosis and warrant further phytochemical characterization and in vivo evaluation to confirm their efficacy, safety, and practical applicability in livestock systems.

Keywords: anthelmintic activity, Camellia sinensis, Curcuma longa, Fasciola gigantica, fasciolosis, medicinal plants, ovicidal activity, phytochemicals.