Efficacy of Jack Fruit extract (Artocarpus heterophyllus) on Haemonchus contortus
Veena. M. *
Department of Veterinary Parasitology, KVAFSU, Veterinary College, Hassan, -573202, Karnataka, India.
Rakesh, R. L.
Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary College, Hassan-573202, Karnataka, India.
Hemanth Gowda, K.
Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, KVAFSU, Veterinary College, Hassan-573202, Karnataka, India.
Varsha Jain, B. A.
Department of Pharmacology, SAC College of Pharmacy, BG Nagara-571448, Hassan, Karnataka, India.
Chandra Prakash, K.
Sri Adichunchanagiri College of Pharmacy, B. G. Nagara-571448, Karnataka, India.
Krishnamurthy, C. M.
Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary College, Hassan-573202, Karnataka, India.
Kavitha, K.
Department of Veterinary Medicine, KVAFSU, Veterinary College, Bengaluru, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Haemonchosis is the one of most important gastrointestinal parasitic infections that affect the small ruminants worldwide. The disease causes severe anaemia, stunted growth, decreased production, less weight gain and sometimes leads to mortality. Anthelmintics are commonly employed for the control of these parasites. However, inappropriate and extensive use of these drugs has contributed to the development of resistance. There is a demand for alternative control measures. Herbal anthelmintics can act as a source of affordable and alternative anthelmintic agents. In this context, a study was conducted to determine the in vitro efficacy of ethanolic extract of jack fruit using adult mortality assay. Fruit portion of the plant was used for ethanolic extract preparation. The ethanolic extract was used at various concentrations viz., 10%, 30%, 50%, 70% and 90%. The test was carried out in triplicates for each concentration and fenbendazole was used as a positive control. Observation was done at every 30 minute intervals. At 10% concentration, 100% mortality was observed in 2 hours which was similar to that of positive control. Microscopic observation of the dead worms revealed the alteration in the integrity of the cuticle. Further in depth studies are required to confirm the anthelmintic activity of the plant.
Keywords: Herbal anthelmintics, jack fruit, haemonchosis, in vitro