Anticestodal evaluation of the Devil’s tree (Echites scholaris) against an intestinal parasite and assessment of the anthelmintic effects using scanning electron microscopy

The present research was formulated to assess the anthelmintic property of the medicinal plant, Echites scholaris, as used in the Mizo traditional medicine of northeast India. An experiment was set up to test the cestocidal activity against an intestinal parasite of chicken, Taenia tetragona. The plant extract was prepared in different concentrations alongside a standard anthelmintic, albendazole. The cestode was susceptible to both the treatments. Significant killing effects (p < 0.05) were noted in all the concentrations tested. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine and delineate the structural effects of the plant extract on the different body parts of the parasite. The most extensive damages on the anterior region, the scolex, included tegumental degeneration and progressive pruning of the parasitic attachment devices, the spines. Extensive tegumental erosion was seen throughout the main body segments. The young body segments showed more severe damages with characteristic erosion of the tegument and dystrophy of the microtriches. Unusual longitudinal tissue crevices and warts also developed. Localised erosion, disintegration and clumping of microtriches were observed on the mature body segments. The experimental results are evidence that E. scholaris is a valuable medicinal plant and could be the source of novel lead molecules in drug development.