Evaluation of Anthelmintic properties of Sesbania grandiflora Pers. (Kathurumurunga) against larvae of Toxocara canis and Haemonchus contortus – In Vitro Study

Abstract

Sesbania grandiflora is a slender tree. It is a common garden plant in Sri Lanka, which grows well in mid and low country. In Sri Lanka, Sesbania grandiflora is used as a home remedy, in treatment of worm infections in humans. Toxocara canis is a helminth parasite infecting dogs and other canids. It also causes toxocariasis in humans. Haemonchus contortus is a nematode that infects goats and causes anaemia, marked reduction in growth and reproduction, and even death. Using this information, in vitro larvae migratory inhibition assay was carried out on Toxocara canis and Haemonchus contortus larve. This study revealed 98.1% and 94.3% larvae migration inhibition with larvae of Toxocara canis and Haemonchus contortus respectively. Least number of migrated larvae was observed in the positive control Levamisole and all the larvae were dead after migration. In decoction of S.grandiflora, all the migrated Toxocara larvae were dead and Haemonchus larvae were dead or in Grade1 (inactive but occasional movement can be observed) condition. Inhibition of Toxocara larval migration and Haemonchus larval migration with decoction of Sesbania grandiflora and Levamisole are statically significant (p < 0.05). Since mean of LMI (larval migration inhibition) of Levamisole is greater than mean of LMI of Sesbania grandiflora with both larvae, Levamisole is more effective than Sesbania grandiflora. Based on these findings, the aqueous extract of leaves of Sesbania grandiflora is shows a statistically significant anthelmintic activity in in-vitro model.