Beautyberry (Callicarpa arborea) as an Antiparasitic Agent Against Raillietina echinobothrida, an Intestinal Tapeworm

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.