@article {1084, title = {Beautyberry (Callicarpa arborea) as an Antiparasitic Agent Against Raillietina echinobothrida, an Intestinal Tapeworm}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {12}, year = {2020}, month = {February 2020}, pages = {66-70}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {66}, abstract = {

Background: The beautyberry (Callicarpa arborea Roxb.) is member of the family Lamiaceae and is native to Asia. It is used in different traditional medicines for the treatment of debilitating ailments including cancer, dermatitis, diabetes mellitus, gastritis, helminthiasis, and pyrexia. A couple of pentacyclic triterpenes and phytosterols have been reported from this plant. Objective: We aimed to investigate the antiparasitic potentials of C. arborea bark extract. We used an intestinal tapeworm, Raillietina echinobothrida, for its convenience in handling and established nature as a model helminth parasite. Materials and Methods: The extract of the stem bark was prepared using methanol. Tapeworms were treated in vitro with varying concentrations of the extract. Survival values were statistically analysed. Treated tapeworms were fixed and processed for scanning electron microscopy. Results: C. arborea bark extract showed dose-dependent antiparasitic similar to that of albendazole. Scanning electron microscopy revealed damaging effects all over the body of the tapeworm. There was general shrinkage of the tegument on the scolex, neck region and strobila. Microtriches were completely removed throughout the tegument. Suckers and rostellum on the scolex were also deformed. Conclusion: Our data shows that C. arborea is a promising source of antiparasitic principles.

}, keywords = {Callicarpa arborea, Scanning electron microscopy, Tapeworm, Tegument}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2020.12.11}, author = {P.B. Lalthanpuii and Kholhring Lalchhandama} } @article {1169, title = {An Endangered Medicinal Plant, Ilex khasiana Exhibits Potent Antiparasitic Activity Against Intestinal Tapeworm}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {12}, year = {2020}, month = {June 2020}, pages = {725-730}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {725}, abstract = {

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{\textquoteright}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.

}, keywords = {Medicinal plant, Parasite, Scanning electron microscopy, Tapeworm, Tegument}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2020.12.105}, author = {Charles Lalnunfela and PB Lalthanpuii and TC Lalhriatpuii and K Lalchhandama} }