Assessing the efficacy of roots extract against third-stage larvae of and its safety profiles.

Gnathostomiasis, caused by the advanced third-stage larvae of , demands novel treatment avenues. The ethanolic root extract of has been postulated to have anthelminthic properties, suggesting its potential as an alternative remedy. In this study, roots were collected, identified, and extracted with 95 % ethanol. The crude extracts were standardized using didehydrostemofoline as chemical marker. The efficacy of the root extract against third-stage larvae of and its toxicity to Wistar rats were evaluated. Both and tests were performed, where the tests assessed the anthelminthic potential of extract against larvae, while tests examined the extract's efficacy against larvae in infected Wistar rats and the efficacy was compared with albendazole. Parallelly, Wistar rats underwent acute and sub-chronic toxicity tests to establish the safe dosage of the extract. The tests showcased significant anthelminthic activity, marked by discernible morphological alterations in the exposed larvae. Acute toxicity proved fatal at 2000 mg/kg body weight, while a dose of 300 mg/kg proved non-toxic. Using the Globally Harmonized Classification System, an LD50 of 500 mg/kg was determined. trials revealed a pronounced decline in larvae among rats treated with the extract. The larvae were also observed to be encysted post-treatment, while those treated with albendazole were not encysted. The extract, with its noteworthy efficacy and favorable safety metrics in rodents, can be a potential anthelminthic agent. The diminished inflammatory response compared to albendazole hints at being a safer gnathostomiasis treatment alternative. The promising results in these preliminary trials warrant a deeper investigation to determine the root extract's optimal dosing, suitable delivery methods, and its broader clinical implications.