Effects of Acacia oxyphylla and Securinega virosa on functional characteristics of Raillietina echinobothrida (Phylum: Platyhelminthes; Class: Cestoidea), a poultry cestode parasite.

The histochemical distribution and quantification of alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, and adenosine triphosphatase have been investigated in the adult cyclophyllidean cestode, Raillietina echinobothrida after treatment with crude ethanol extract of traditionally used medicinal plants Acacia oxyphylla and Securinega virosa. Estimation of free amino acid pool and vital trace elements like calcium and magnesium were also performed to study the effect of the plant extracts on the parasite. A decrease in the levels of phosphatases and trace elements was noticed in the treated parasites when compared to control groups. At the same time, a lot of disparity was noted in the free amino acid pool as the levels of many amino acids were seen to increase or decrease in relation to the levels observed in control parasites. Role of phyto-products in the changed physiology of cestode and their possible chemotherapeutic targets are discussed.