Organic extracts from Luffa aegyptiaca (Mill) and Prosopis laevigata (Humb. et Bonpl. ex Willd) M.C. Johnst fruits exhibit in vitro larvicidal activity against Haemonchus contortus.

Abstract

Haemonchus contortus is the most harmful nematode responsible for severe anemia and mortality in lambs. Conventional control strategies rely heavily on synthetic anthelmintics; however, this approach promotes the generation of anthelmintic (AH) resistance. Plants with AH properties offer a natural alternative for sustainable control. This study evaluated the in vitro nematocidal activity (NA) of hydroalcoholic extracts (E-HOH) obtained from the fruits of Luffa aegyptiaca (sponge gourd) and Prosopis laevigata (mesquite). Qualitative phytochemical analyses were performed to identify secondary compounds in both extracts. The extracts were tested against exsheathed third-stage larvae (L3) of Haemonchus contortus at concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/mL. Distilled water and ivermectin (5 mg/mL) were used as controls. Data were analyzed by ANOVA, followed by Tukey's post hoc test (P< 0.05), and lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90) were determined using PROBIT analysis. Both extracts exhibited NA, achieving ~80% mortality at 100 mg/mL, while concentrations of 50 mg/mL reached >50% mortality (P<0.05). PROBIT analysis confirmed concentration-dependent effects, with LC50 values of 30.78 mg/mL for L. aegyptiaca and 33.96 mg/mL for P. laevigata. Phytochemical identification included alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarins, tannins, triterpenes/sterols, and saponins. These findings suggest that L. aegyptiaca and P. laevigata fruit extracts contain compounds with potent in vitro AH effects against H. contortus L3, highlighting their potential use for controlling haemonchosis in sheep.