The Effect of Medicinal Plant Extracts on Helminthes: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Currently, parasitic infections are the most important global health problems. Helminthic infections cause serious damage to the livestock industry. Most importantly, it can cause severe damage in immunocompromised individuals. The aim of this systematic review study was to assess the research on the treatment of helminthic diseases using medicinal plant extracts. Methods: The search was carried out in 7 databases including 4 English databases (Scopus, PubMed, SienceDirect, and Embase) and 3 Persian databases (Scientific Information Database, Islamic World Science Citation Center, and Magiran) in order to find the studies carried out in relation to the purpose of the current study between 2008 and 2018 in Persian and English languages. Findings: Most studies focused on Balanites aegyptiaca (10.71%). The most commonly used extraction method was maceration (78.57%) and then sonication (7.14%). Methanol (35.71%) was the most solvent used for extraction, followed by water (17.85%). The most studied parasite was Haemonchus contortus (28.57%), followed by Schistosoma mansoni (10.71%). Conclusion: Studies have shown that plant extracts can be a good alternative to synthetic drugs in reducing helminthic disease signs; and plant extracts can be used to produce drugs based on natural and effective compounds against helminthes with fewer side effects than synthetic drugs.

Keywords

• Anthelmintics
• Medicinal herbs
• Systematic review