Evaluation of in vitro anthelmintic activity of crude extract and synthesized green silver nanoparticles of the leaves of Mammeaamericana L.

One of the most severe parasite infections to ever plague animals, paramphistomosis is particularly devastating in tropical and subtropical areas and causes significant economic losses to the world's food industry and poor animal health. In the present study potency of the crude extract and green synthesized silver nanoparticles from fresh and mature Mammea americana L. leaves was evaluated on trematode Paramphistomum cervi, collected from the infected rumen of the cow (Bos indicus) in 0.9% phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The crude extract at five dose levels (1 mL, 2 mL, 3 mL 4 mL, and 5 ml), and silver nanoparticles (AgNps) at the five dose levels (10 mg/mL, 30 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL, 70 and 90 mg/mL) were applied. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV–VIS spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Characterization studies of AgNPs revealed the synthesis of stable, crystalline AgNPs measuring an average size of 20–50 nm. The efficacy was evaluated based on the spontaneous movement reduction and death of P. cervi. Maximum anthelmintic activity was found at the dose of 5 mL of crude extract and 90 mg/mL of AgNPs of M. americana leaves. The scanning electron micrograph study of treated helminths of crude and AgNps revealed conspicuous distortion on the surface architecture. It also showed shrinkage of the whole body and severe damage on both suckers (anterior and posterior). AgNPs caused more shredded and torn tegumental surfaces with loss of tegumental papillae compared to untreated. Thus, this study confirmed that the M. americana leaves extract and synthesized AgNPs can be a potential alternative herbal drug in traditional folklore medicine against serious helminth infections in our livestock industry. © Indian Society for Parasitology 2024.