In vitro evaluation of the Anthelmintic Activity of PROMAX-C and propolis extract on the Nematode Parasite Onchocerca ochengi Bwangamoi, 1969 (Spirurida: Onchocercidae)

The anthelmintic activity of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Foumban propolis and PROMAX-C was evaluated in vitro, on the nematode parasite of cattle Onchocerca ochengi. The objective of this study was to find an alternative of synthetic anthelmintic to fight human and animal onchocerciasis. Increasing concentrations of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of propolis and PROMAX-C were prepared in RPMI 1640 culture medium for O. ochengi incubation. Dimethylsulfoxide of 0.5 % concentration was the negative control and the positive control was ivermectin. The anthelmintic activity was assessed every 24 and 48 hours and expressed as mortality rate. Acute oral toxicity was assessed in Mus musculus for 14 days and subacute toxicity was assessed in males and females of Ratus norvegicus for 28 days. Quantification of polyphenols, tannins and flavonoids was performed with a spectrophotometer using gallic acid and rutin as standards. The LC50 value was 52.50 ± 0.04 µg/mL for PROMAX-C, while those of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts were 75.50 ± 0.92 and 261.44 ± 18.98 µg/mL, respectively after 48 hours. The test with ivermectin showed a high efficacy on O. ochengi nematodes with a LC50 value of 100.05 ± 0.35 µg/mL. The ethanolic extract of propolis did not show signs of toxicity on mice. During subacute toxicity, the relative organ weights (kidney, liver, lung, spleen and heart) taken from the rats at the end of treatment did not change significantly. Biochemical showed a decrease in AST and ALT in both sexes at all doses. Thus, the consumption of propolis and PROMAX-C is recommended to fight against onchocerciasis.