An Endangered Medicinal Plant, Ilex khasiana Exhibits Potent Antiparasitic Activity Against Intestinal Tapeworm

Background: A species of holly, Ilex khasiana Purk. (family Aquifoliaceae) is one of a few critically endangered medicinal plants in India. It is endemic to Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, and Aizawl, Mizoram. In the traditional medicines of Khasi and Mizo people, the leaves are used as a panacea for all sorts of infections. Nothing is known about its true pharmacological potentials. Objective: We aimed to assess the extract of I. khasiana leaves for its purported antiparasitic property. To test the antiparasitic activity, we collected intestinal tapeworms, Raillietina tetragona. Materials and Methods: I. khasiana leaves were dried and extracted in methanol. The plant extract was used to treat the tapeworms at different concentrations. The efficacy was recorded as survival values and were analysed by Student’s t-test. The plant extracttreated tapeworms were fixed, dehydrated and observed under scanning electron microscopy for studying the structural details. Results: The methanol extract of I. khasiana leaf showed dose-dependent antiparasitic effect as that of albendazole. The treated tapeworms developed massive structural damages. The scolex was deformed, with its tegument extensively damaged. The suckers had their spines clumped. The body segments severely contracted and some portions were eroded. Hair-like microtriches were completely lost. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that I. khasiana has antiparasitic activity and requires further investigations, and that there is a need to foster its conservation and propagation.