ABSTRACT:
Anthelmintics are drugs used to treat parasitic worm-related illnesses, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. These drugs target parasites' physiological functions, such as damage to their protective cuticle, metabolic suppression, and nervous system interaction. In vitro and in vivo testing is possible, often using worm or other parasitic animal models. Understanding the effectiveness, tolerability, and resistance patterns of medications is crucial for future therapeutic approaches and reducing helminthic infections worldwide, as traditional medications face increasing resistance, necessitating the development of novel anthelmintics. Plant extracts have drawn attention as a substitute source of anthelmintic compounds because of their affordable, natural, and less harmful qualities. By blocking parasite physiological functions and causing structural damage to helminths, these bioactive substances—which include alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and saponins—have demonstrated encouraging anthelmintic potential. Studies conducted both in vitro and in vivo have demonstrated the efficacy of plant extracts against a variety of parasitic worms, such as nematodes, cestodes, and trematodes. Plant extracts, rich in natural, inexpensive, and less toxic compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and saponins, are increasingly recognized as an alternative source of anthelmintic chemicals due to their promising activity against various parasitic worms in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Plant extracts have shown effectiveness against parasitic worms, including nematodes, cestodes, and trematodes, due to their bioactive chemicals. However, toxicity, standardization, and clinical studies remain issues. This review explores the anthelmintic properties of plant extracts, their modes of action, and potential as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic anthelmintics. Further research could lead to new treatments.
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