In vitro antihelmintic activity of an accuos extract of Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) leaves and seeds. I. Inhibition of eggs hatching and larval development

摘要

In order to evaluate the in vitro antihlemintic activity of an accuos extract of Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves and seeds, two trials were designed to evaluate its effect on egg hatching and larval development of gastroduodenal strongyles. Three extract concentrations were prepared (500, 250 and 125 mg/ml) to perform an egg hatch assay and larval development test. The seed extract was the most effective at 500 mg/ml reducing egg hatching at 99.1% without differences (p0.01) with the control group (Albendazol); the larval development test was reduced at 88.8% at this same dose. The leaf extract inhibited egg hatching at 80% and the larval development in more than 70%. These results suggest that A. indica extracts may be useful in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes of small ruminants; however, in vivo studies and toxicological evaluation are still necessary.