In a groundbreaking study that could redefine approaches to zoonotic parasite control, researchers have unveiled pivotal findings concerning the prevalence of intestinal parasites in laboratory rodents, alongside promising natural treatments derived from plant extracts. Laboratory rats and mice, cornerstone models in biomedical research, are often overlooked reservoirs of parasitic infection that pose risks not only to experimental integrity but also to human health via zoonotic transmission pathways. This comprehensive investigation offers new insights into the infestation rates of such parasites and evaluates the antiparasitic efficacy of aqueous extracts from three distinct botanical sources: carob pods, Moringa oleifera, and Artemisia alba.
The study’s central focus lies on the zoonotic cestode Hymenolepis diminuta, a tapeworm species notorious for its prevalence in rodent populations worldwide and its potential for human infection, leading to hymenolepiasis. Despite the wealth of information on its lifecycle and pathology, effective control strategies remain limited and often reliant on synthetic anthelmintics, which carry concerns about resistance development and environmental impact. By investigating botanical alternatives, the research bridges a vital gap between ecological sustainability and parasitic disease management.
Laboratory animals were systematically screened to determine the baseline prevalence of intestinal helminths, with a particular emphasis on Hymenolepis diminuta. Fecal samples underwent meticulous microscopic examination to confirm parasite eggs and proglottids, ensuring accurate infection status. These prevalence data not only highlight the scope of parasite burden within controlled animal colonies but also underline the risk factors for cross-species transmission, a critical consideration given the increasing use of these animals in translational research.
The botanical candidates chosen for therapeutic evaluation reflect a strategic alignment with ethnopharmacological knowledge and recent phytochemical discoveries. Carob pods, known for their rich tannin content and bioactive polyphenols, have historical use in treating gastrointestinal disorders, though their antiparasitic potential remains underexplored. Moringa oleifera, often dubbed the “miracle tree,” exhibits a complex profile of antimicrobial and antiparasitic compounds such as isothiocyanates and flavonoids, positioning it as a potent natural remedy. Artemisia alba, related to the well-studied Artemisia genus known for artemisinin, is posited to contain novel sesquiterpene lactones with possible antihelminthic actions.
Experimental treatments involved administering aqueous extracts prepared under controlled conditions, ensuring consistency in concentration and bioactive compound availability. The choice of aqueous medium mimics traditional preparation methods, facilitating translation to practical usage while minimizing solvent toxicity. The extracts were evaluated for their ability to reduce parasite load in infected rodents through both in vivo and ex vivo assays, integrating parasitological measurements and histopathological assessments to quantify efficacy.
Results indicated a significant reduction in Hymenolepis diminuta establishment and viability within host intestines following treatment with plant extracts. Particularly, Moringa oleifera extract showed the highest anthelmintic activity, disrupting the parasite’s tegument integrity and impeding its metabolic functions, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and enzymatic assays. Carob pod extract also demonstrated moderate efficacy, potentially through tannins’ interaction with parasite proteins, thereby inhibiting nutrient absorption and attachment. Artemisia alba, while slightly less potent, still presented notable antiparasitic effects, encouraging further isolation of active compounds for drug development.
Beyond efficacy, the safety profile of these extracts was a critical consideration. Detailed toxicity evaluations confirmed that the doses applied induced no observable adverse effects on the host rodents’ physiology or behavior, underscoring their suitability as alternative treatments. Hepatic and renal function tests remained within normal ranges, and immunological parameters suggested no detrimental inflammatory reactions post-treatment, a crucial factor in the therapeutic landscape where host tolerance limits drug use.
The implications of this study extend well beyond laboratory animal care, touching on public health and ecosystem management. As Hymenolepis diminuta represents a zoonotic threat primarily associated with rodents, effective natural interventions reduce the risk for inadvertent human exposure, especially in urban and rural areas where rodent infestations are common. Moreover, the findings advocate for integrating phytotherapy into parasite control programs that are environmentally benign and sustainable, potentially circumventing the escalating problem of anthelmintic resistance increasingly documented worldwide.
Methodologically, the research paves the way for future work investigating the mechanistic underpinnings of the observed antiparasitic effects. The intricate interactions between plant-derived compounds and parasitic biology invite deeper biochemical analyses and molecular studies aimed at unraveling targets within the parasite metabolism and structure. Such knowledge could inform the rational design of novel antiparasitic agents inspired by natural products, optimizing potency and specificity.
In addition to parasite control, the study supports the broader concept of “green pharmacology,” where traditional medicinal plants are scientifically validated and standardized for wider application. This alignment of ancient wisdom and modern science not only fuels innovation but also addresses global concerns regarding drug safety, affordability, and accessibility, especially in low-resource settings where parasitic infections often remain endemic.
Importantly, this research underscores the necessity of rigorous parasite monitoring within laboratory animal facilities. The persistent presence of Hymenolepis diminuta and other helminths can confound experimental outcomes by altering immune responses and physiological parameters of subjects under study, thereby compromising data validity. Enhanced parasitological surveillance combined with natural antiparasitic interventions could safeguard both animal welfare and the integrity of biomedical research.
The collaborative approach by the researchers, merging expertise in parasitology, phytochemistry, and veterinary science, exemplifies interdisciplinary efforts vital for tackling complex biological challenges. Such integrative frameworks are essential for developing holistic solutions that consider host, parasite, and environmental factors simultaneously, accelerating progress in disease control modalities.
The study’s publication in Acta Parasitologica further highlights its scientific robustness and relevance within the parasitology community. As research in zoonotic diseases gains urgency in the One Health era, findings like these are foundational to preventing and mitigating parasite-mediated health issues bridging human, animal, and environmental health domains.
Future perspectives include clinical trials and formulation development to convert these aqueous extracts into practical veterinary pharmaceuticals or feed additives. Dosage optimization, stability evaluation, and regulatory assessments will be critical milestones in translating bench research into field applications. Additionally, exploring synergistic combinations among the tested plants may enhance antiparasitic efficacy, reducing treatment durations and costs.
In conclusion, the identification of efficient, non-toxic, plant-based antiparasitic agents offers a timely and promising strategy to address intestinal parasite infections in laboratory rodents and beyond. By mitigating zoonotic transmission risks and supporting sustainable parasite management practices, this research contributes fundamentally to public health, animal welfare, and environmental stewardship in the era of global parasitic challenges.
Subject of Research: Prevalence of intestinal parasites in laboratory rats and mice and the effectiveness of aqueous extracts from carob pods, Moringa oleifera, and Artemisia alba against the zoonotic parasite Hymenolepis diminuta.
Article Title: Prevalence of intestinal parasites in laboratory rats and mice and effectiveness of aqueous extracts from carob pods, Moringa oleifera, and Artemisia alba on the zoonotic parasite Hymenolepis diminuta infection.
Article References:
Anter, R.G.A., Abd-Ellatieff, H.A., Mohammed, H. et al. Prevalence of intestinal parasites in laboratory rats and mice and effectiveness of aqueous extracts from carob pods, Moringa oleifera, and Artemisia alba on the zoonotic parasite Hymenolepis diminuta infection. Acta Parasit. 70, 141 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11686-025-01062-7
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