Anthelmintic Evaluation Of Furaldehyde-Substituted Benzimidazole Derivatives Using Pheretima Posthuma Model

Background: Benzimidazole derivatives are well-recognized for their broad-spectrum antihelmintic properties. In this study, novel furaldehyde-substituted benzimidazole compounds were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antihelmintic activity using the Pheretima posthuma model. Methods: The synthesized compounds, designated as Compound A and Compound B, were tested at concentrations of 10, 20, and 50 mg/mL. Albendazole (10 mg/mL) served as the standard, and 1% DMSO in normal saline as the control. The antihelmintic activity was assessed by recording the time taken for paralysis and death of the worms. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison test to determine significance. Results: Both compounds exhibited significant, concentration-dependent antihelmintic activity compared to the control (p < 0.05). At 50 mg/mL, Compound B showed the highest efficacy, with paralysis and death times of 21.5 ± 0.18 min and 41.7 ± 0.24 min, respectively, which were statistically comparable (p > 0.05) to Albendazole (20.3 ± 0.20 min and 39.6 ± 0.31 min). Compound A also demonstrated considerable activity but was slightly less potent than Compound B at each concentration tested. Conclusion: The results confirm that furaldehyde-substituted benzimidazole derivatives, particularly Compound B, possess promising antihelmintic potential. These findings warrant further in vivo studies and mechanistic evaluations to establish their therapeutic value as potential alternative antihelmintic agents.