IN VITRO ANTHELMINTIC ACTIVITY OF ARTESUNATE AGAINST THE CESTODE RAILLIETINA ECHINOBOTHRIDA

Abstract

Artesunate is an anti malarial compound discovered from the Chinese medicinal plant Artemisia annua. It has been proven to be the best drug not only in the treatment of malaria, but also of human schistosomiasis. It is also shown to be highly effective against human virus, trematodes and various cancer cells. This study is a further exploration on its pharmacological potential as an anti cestodal agent. The cestode, Raillietina echinobothrida Mégnin, were collected from fowls and treated with varying doses of artesunate, namely 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 mg/ml. The anthelmintic activity was compared with that of the standard prescription drug albendazole. Artesunate showed higher anthelmintic activity than albendazole. Microscopic examination of the cestodes treated with drugs showed extensive structural damage, including surface erosion and destruction of the scolex. The findings suggest that artesunate is a potent drug that may be used for cestode infection.