Anthelmintic activity of methanolic extract of Ajuga integrifolia against Strongyloides stercoralis

Strongyloides stercoralis is a persistent pathogenic roundworm commonly known as “hidden killer”. Its ability to replicate in human host, cyclic autoinfection that can last for years and asymptomatic behavior make theranostics difficult. Ajuga integrifolia is a shrub that is traditionally claimed to possess a very potent effect against persistent gastrointestinal ailments. The objective of this study was to analytically investigate the anthelmintic activity of methanolic extract of aerial parts of A. integrifolia on rhabditiform larvae of S. stercoralis. The larvae were isolated from fresh stool samples obtained from school children diagnosed to be positive for the parasite. The anti-S. stercoralis effect of the extract (in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS): sterile, pH = 7.2, 1.7 mM) against rhabditiform larvae was evaluated by incubating the suspension of the parasites in PBS with different concentrations of the extract for 24 h at 37 0C in a 5 % CO2 humidified incubator to determine % survival. A concentration dependent killing effect with an IC50 value of 50 mg/mL was recorded. The sensitivity and immediacy of action proved a potential commercial value of the plant for treatment against human strongyloidiasis.