Abstract

Kamumgu S.*, Bagalwa M., Basabose A. K., Bashwira S. and Yamagiwa J.

ABSTRACT

In Kahuzi-Biega National Park, great apes are frequently affected by helminthic diseases as observed in their dungs. To understand the auto-medication mechanisms of two plants ingested by great apes (Myrica salicifolia and Psychotria palustris) is necessary to evaluate bioactive proprieties and control worms. Phytochemical screening, flavonoids extraction and fractioning was done according to standards methods. In vitro anthelminthic activity against Alma emini was used to evaluate the potential of the two plants. Positive control was compared with mebendazole and albendazole solutions prepared and while negative control was deionized water. Myrica salicifolia has high anthelmintic activity and flavoinoids separated in the plants revealed two marks which have different position. Lethal concentration varied from plants species and extracted solvent (ethanol /or water). Aqueous extract has lower lethal concentration compared to ethanolic extract. The aqueous concentration is active than ethanolic ones (p< 0.05).The concentration of 1 mg/mL of flavonoids for fraction 1 is active to Alma emini in vitro. The concentration of 0.1 mg/mL is not activeto Alma emini. The findings from the current study revealed that extracts from Myrica salicifolia and Psychotria palustris have shown promising in vitro anthelmintic activity against Alma emini earthworm. Detailed analyses are needed by using different active constituents contained in the plants in order to assess their therapeutic role in different species of parasites infecting wild animals in the park.