Exploring alternative anthelmintic compounds: Impact of peruvin, hentriacontane/1-nonacosanol and their synergistic effect on the health of Meriones unguiculatus infected with Haemonchus contortus

• Published in: Veterinary parasitology 2024-12, Vol.332, p.110303, Article 110303
• Main Authors: Arango-De la Pava, Luis David, Flores-Jiménez, Nancy Guadalupe, Cuéllar-Ordaz, Jorge Alfredo, Alejandro de la Cruz-Cruz, Héctor, Higuera-Piedrahita, Rosa Isabel, López-Arellano, Raquel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anatomopathological changes; Animals; Anthelmintic; Anthelmintics - administration & dosage; Anthelmintics - chemistry; Anthelmintics - pharmacology; Anthelmintics - therapeutic use; Artemisia - chemistry; Binary mixture; Biochemical parameters; Drug Synergism; Gerbillinae; Haemonchiasis - drug therapy; Haemonchiasis - parasitology; Haemonchiasis - veterinary; Haemonchus - drug effects; Haemonchus contortus; Hentriacontane/1-nonacosanol; Larva - drug effects; Male; Meriones unguiculatus; Peruvin; Plant Extracts - administration & dosage; Plant Extracts - chemistry; Plant Extracts - pharmacology
• ISSN: 0304-4017; 1873-2550; 1873-2550
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110303

Haemonchus contortus is a highly pathogenic blood-feeding parasite affecting sheep and goats, leading to significant economic losses. With increasing resistance to conventional anthelmintics, exploring plant-based alternatives is crucial. In vitro, studies suggest that peruvin and hentriacontane/1-nonacosanol, isolated from Artemisia cina (Asteraceae), may synergistically control Haemonchus contortus. However, their in vivo efficacy and safety are unestablished. This study evaluated these compounds' anthelmintic activity and health effects and their synergistic mixture in Meriones unguiculatus (gerbils). The compounds were isolated using open-column chromatography and identified by spectroscopic techniques. Gerbils were artificially infected with H. contortus following dexamethasone treatment to enhance infection. Anthelmintic activity was assessed by larval reduction in the stomach, blood biochemical parameters using a blood chemistry analyzer, and the anatomopathological changes in kidney and liver tissues. Peruvin (0.4 mg/kg) and hentriacontane/1-nonacosanol (2.60 mg/kg) achieved larvicidal reductions of 84.86 % and 74.05 %, respectively, while their synergistic mixture (0.08/0.0017 mg/kg) resulted in a 100 % reduction. Histopathological analysis revealed minor inflammation and albuminous degeneration, primarily affecting the liver. The peruvin-treated group showed notable kidney damage, while hepatic alterations were similar across both compounds. Although effective, further research is needed to optimize dosing and ensure safety [Display omitted] •Synergistic mixture of peruvin and hentriacontane/1-nonacosanol achieves 100 % larval reduction.•Novel isolation of compounds from Artemisia cina via open-column chromatography.•In vivo tests show peruvin and hentriacontane/1-nonacosanol mixture is highly effective against Haemonchus contortus.•Minimal kidney damage observed with synergistic mixture compared to individual compounds.