Bioactive Phytochemicals and Solvent Extraction Efficiency of Justicia betonica: Anthelmintic Applications against Schistosoma mansoni Cercariae in Kisii County, Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47941/ijbs.3790Keywords:
Justicia Betonica, Schistosoma Mansoni, Phytochemicals, Cercaricidal ActivityAbstract
Purpose: The anthelmintic activity of Justicia betonica (J. betonica) against Schistosoma mansoni is of significant interest, owing to ethnobotanical investigations that highlight the plants diverse phytochemical composition. However, comprehensive metabolomic profiling is required to link its chemical profile to its potential in reducing the global schistosomiasis burden. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic potential of J. betonica against Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) cercariae.
Methodology: An in vitro comparative experimental study was conducted at the KEMRI NTDs Laboratory in Kisumu, Kenya. J. betonica extracts were prepared using different solvents and screened against S. mansoni cercariae at concentrations ranging from 0.25 to 1.0 mg/mL using a 24-well plate assay. Praziquantel and distilled water served as positive and negative controls, respectively. Cercarial motility and mortality were monitored over 1 hour. Dose-response analysis was performed to determine LC50, EC50, and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values.
Findings: The extracts exhibited a dose-dependent effect on cercarial mortality. At the highest concentration (1.0 mg/mL), the ethanol and methanol extract achieved the highest mean mortality (mean=10) and the strongest time-dependent activity, achieving complete mortality (100%) within 40 minutes. The calculated LC50 was 0.12mg/ml, while the MIC was determined to be 0.25mg/ml. Statistical analysis indicated a significant difference in mortality rates compared to the negative control (p < 0.001), with the efficacy of the highest dose being comparable to Praziquantel. J. betonica extracts demonstrate significant anti-schistosomal activity in vitro, effectively inducing cercarial mortality at low concentrations.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: These findings suggest that J. betonica is a promising candidate for further phytochemical isolation and development as a plant-based anthelmintic agent. Also it provides scientific validation for its traditional medicinal use, contribute to knowledge on plant-derived anti-parasitic agents, support policy initiatives promoting natural-product research, and offer a foundation for future drug development efforts.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Rodah Nyambeki Omosa, Samuel Mong’are, Rael Masai, Pacifica Bwogo
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