Antioxidant and anthelmintic activity of Syzygium cumini fruit juice against Ascaridia galli and Ascaris suum

Background

Ascaridia galli and Ascaris suum are the leading causes of helminthiasis in poultry and pigs. While A. galli rarely infects humans without causing significant disease, A. suum is a zoonotic parasite capable of causing pulmonary discomfort in human beings, due to larval migration. Today, anthelmintic therapy remains essential, particularly the use of herbal medicine that has not yet been intensively explored, including the fruit of Syzygium cumini (common name: black plum fruit; local name: jamun), which is widely found throughout Indonesia.

Purpose

This study evaluates the S. cumini fruit juice for its antioxidant, antilipase, and anthelmintic activities against A. galli and A. suum.

Methods

Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH radical scavenging assay, IC₅₀ determination, and total phenolic content (TPC) analysis. LC-MS analysis was performed to determine major bioactive compounds in the fruit juice. Antilipase activity was evaluated using an agar well diffusion method, and anthelmintic effects were assessed through in vitro assays on A. galli and A. suum at concentrations of 34.06, 68.12, 102.18, and 136.24 mg/ml, compared with pyrantel pamoate (Combantrin®) at 20 mg/ml.

Results

The DPPH assay of the extracts exhibited an IC₅₀ 2.06 µg/ml, stronger than the butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). In addition, the fruit juice also demonstrated antilipase activity, indicating its relevance in addressing lipid metabolism disorders. The anthelmintic activity was carried out which showed significant worm paralysis and mortality in both parasites especially at 102.18, and 136.24 mg/ml.

Conclusion

S. cumini fruit juice demonstrated significant antioxidant, antilipase, and anthelmintic potential. These findings suggest that S. cumini fruit juice could be a promising natural alternative for helminthiasis treatment, warranting further investigation.