In vitro anthelmintic effect of Malvaceae family plants in sheep and goat parasites: Review

Objective: To analyze scientific database information on the in vitro anthelmintic effects of plant species from the Malvaceae family in sheep and goats. Materials and Methods: A selection of articles was retrieved from the following databases: Biblat, Google Scholar, Reaxys, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Springer. The inclusion criteria encompassed original studies published between 2002 and 2022 that investigated Malvaceae species, assessing their in vitro anthelmintic effects on parasites at any developmental stage in sheep and goats. Articles published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese were considered. Results: A total of 4,020 results were identified. After abstract screening, 13 articles meeting the inclusion criteria were selected, highlighting the relevance of 10 plant species within the Malvaceae family, with particular emphasis on Abutilon spp. (shrubs) and Guazuma ulmifolia (tree). The most significant findings indicate that seven plant species exhibit effects on Haemonchus contortus, three on Trichostrongylus spp., two on Oesophagostomum spp., and one species each on Moniezia expansa, Teladorsagia spp., Cooperia spp., and Nematodirus spp. Implications: Ovicidal activity has been reported with methanolic, aqueous, and hexanic extracts of Abutilon theophrasti against H. contortus, as well as with aqueous extracts of Urena lobata leaves, which demonstrated over 70% inhibition of H. contortus egg hatching. Conclusions. Plant species within the Malvaceae family exhibit anthelmintic properties and could serve as a valuable tool in the integrated parasite control strategies for small ruminants.