Anthelmintic Potential of Discarded Litchi chinensis Seeds: a sustainable approach to agricultural by-product utilization.

Objectives: Litchi chinensis (Sonn.), belonging to the Sapindaceae family, has historically been used for the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments, including ulcers, gastritis, diarrhea, and infections. Plants in the Sapindaceae family have demonstrated potential anthelmintic effects, while the efficacy of L. chinensis remains barely investigated. L. chinensis seeds are often discarded as waste; however, utilizing these seeds promotes sustainable practices and may provide a natural alternative to conventional anthelmintics. The study aims to investigate the qualitative phytochemicals and evaluate the anthelmintic efficacy of L. chinensis seed ethanolic extract (LCSE).

Methods: Fresh L. chinensis fruits were collected from a local market, peeled fruits and removed aril from the seeds and then washed, air-dried and extracted with ethanol. A qualitative phytochemical screening and assessment of the anthelmintic properties of LCSE were conducted using standard procedures. The time required for paralysis and death of adult earthworms (Eisenia fetida) was assessed by analyzing each test solution at five distinct dosages (5, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/mL). Albendazole served as the standard, while distilled water functioned as the control. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's multiple comparison test in GraphPad Prism version 10.1.2.

Results: Qualitative analysis revealed that LCSE is rich in phytochemicals, including alkaloids, anthraquinones, carbohydrates, flavonoid, glycosides, proteins and amino acids, phenols, terpenoids, and tannins. The anthelmintic activities of the LCSE and albendazole were dose-dependent, as the time required for paralysis and mortality decreased in proportion to the concentrations increased. LCSE exhibited strong anthelmintic efficacy at a concentration of 100 mg/mL (paralysis 12.67 ± 0.33, death 14 ± 0.58), which was significantly greater than that of albendazole (paralysis 15 ± 1.15, death 17.67 ± 1.15).

Conclusion: This finding suggests that LCSE holds potent anthelmintic properties, making it a promising natural alternative to conventional treatments like albendazole.