In vitro and in vivo activity of three sesquiterpenes against L(3) larvae of Anisakis type I.

In order to investigate the possible use of terpenic derivatives to treat anisakiasis caused by L(3) larvae of Anisakis, we studied the in vitro and in vivo larvicidal activity of three sesquiterpenes (nerolidol, farnesol and elemol). In vitro experiments included the histological study of larval damage and in vivo studies the measurement of myeloperoxidase activity in rat gastrointestinal tract after administration of the sesquiterpenes. In the in vitro assays, the most active compound against the L(3) larvae was nerolidol, followed by farnesol; both caused the death of all nematodes, which showed cuticle changes and intestinal wall rupture.