Chemical investigation and anti-trichinellosis activity of some ficus species leaves: in silico supported in vitro study

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, trichinellosis is a zoonotic illness. Albendazole (ALB), the nowadays anti-trichinellosis drug, has side effects and insufficient effectiveness. Ficus species have ubiquitous health benefits. The current work aimed to assess the in vitro anti-trichinellosis potential of seven Ficus species compared to the reference drug, ALB. METHOD: Fourteen crude extracts from seven Ficus species (spp.) leaves were prepared using 70% methanol and aqueous solvents. Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) adult worms were isolated from infected mice, cultivated on a 24-well tissue culture plate, and subjected to the crude Ficus spp. extracts and ALB in culture media. The efficacy of the tested compounds was evaluated using parasitological analysis and electron microscopy (SEM). Preliminary phytochemical screening and total phenolic content were performed on Ficus spp. extracts showing the most promising effects. In addition, GC-MS analysis was performed on the most active extract to determine its chemical composition. RESULTS: of 12.8 µg/mL, 31.5 µg/mL, and 42.9 µg/mL, respectively, compared to the ALB (52.5 µg/mL). SEM results documented changes and a loss of the typical tegumental structure and morphology in adult T. spiralis worms. The GC-MS analysis of F.m methanolic extract yielded 26 compounds, including fatty acids, esters, tricyclic diol, and glucosinolates. Molecular docking studies further supported these results, with high binding affinities among the major compounds of F.m and the tubulin beta chain of T. spiralis, an essential protein for parasite survival. CONCLUSION: The current study emphasizes the promising potential of Ficus species, especially F.m, as natural sources for the development of antiparasitic agents for the therapy of trichinellosis.