Evaluation of selected plant extracts for in vitro anti-marine leech (Zeylanicobdella arugamensis) activity
https://doi.org/10.47665/tb.38.1.021
- Author:
Wan Norhana, M.N.
1
;
Kua, B.C.
2
;
Liyana, R.
1
Author Information
1. Fisheries Research Institute, 11960 Batu Maung, Penang, Malaysia
2. National Fish Health Research Division, Fisheries Research Institute, 11960 Batu Maung, Penang, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Anti-parasite;
Aqueous extracts;
in vitro;
Tropical plant;
Marine leech;
Zeylanicobdella arugamensis.
- From:Tropical Biomedicine
2021;38(No.1):122-129
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The aqueous extracts of thirty-four (34) tropical plants were tested in vitro for potential antimarine leech (Zeylanicobdella arugamensis) activity. The anti-leech activity was determined by
exposing 8 adult leeches (Z. arugamensis) (9.3 ± 1.5 mm, aged 15 days) to 20 μl of plant extract
(0.5 g/ml) for 5 min in a 24-well plate. After 5 min of exposure, the leeches were rinsed and
transferred into seawater, to enable them to revive from the effect of the extract. Leech
movements were observed from time to time and the numbers of paralyzed or dead leeches
were recorded at 5, 20, 30 and 240 min. The efficacy of the plant extract in killing the adult Z.
arugamensis during the 5 min exposure is reflected on the anti-leech property of the extract.
The anti-leech property of positive plant extracts was also determined at different exposure
time (1, 3, 5 min) and dilutions (1/2 (0.25 g/ml), 1/5 (0.1 g/ml) and 1/10 (0.05 g/ml). The extracts
of 4 plants (Melastoma malabathricum, Piper betle, Tetracera indica and Etlingera coccinea)
demonstrated anti-leech activity. The effects of M. malabathricum, P. betle and E. coccinea
extracts on the leeches were very rapid causing death as early as a few seconds upon
exposure. However, all four positive plant extracts were found not effective in killing the
leeches at 1/10 dilution (0.05 g/ml). A Scanning Electron Microscopy examination on leeches
exposed to the positive plant extracts exhibited effects such as protruding proboscis and
shrunken or swollen bodies.
- Full text:8.2021my1219.pdf
