Effect of Allium sativum on the Motility and Acetylcholinesterase of Haemonchus contortus

Helminths are known to be a major constraint to ruminant’s well-being and productive performance. Gastrointestinal helminths are widespread parasitic agents of livestock especially in small ruminants. Helminthiasis plays an important role in the small ruminant production leading to enormous economic losses in areas where extensive grazing is practiced. Haemonchosis is caused by the hematophagous parasite Haemonchus contortus. It is the most important parasites of all the gastrointestinal nematodes that constrain the survival and productivity of sheep and goats owned by rural farmers in the developing countries. In the present investigations anthelmintic effect of Allium sativum on the motility and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) of the nematode Haemonchus contortus were studied in vitro. The worms were exposed to various concentrations of hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol and aqueous extract of Allium sativum and the motility of the parasites were viewed. As ethanol extract was effective, further studies were conducted with various sublethal concentrations 0.005, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.5 mg/ml. Quantitative measurement of the motility of the parasites evidently showed the direct impact of the drugs on the parasite. Maximum inhibition in the motility (88.50%) and AChE (90.25%) was remarked in 0.5 mg/ml of AsEE after 8h of exposure. AChE is concerned in muscularly harmonious combination and neurotransmission. The important role of this enzyme can stop cholinergic synaptic communication with immediate hydrolysis of the acetylcholine. Inhibition of AChE in the parasite results in paralysis of musculature and the parasite lose its biochemical holdfast and get expelled from the host. The present study clearly showed that AsEE had killed the parasites by affecting their neurotransmission.