2025/01/01 by Felwa A. Thagfan, Youssef A. El-Sayed, Ahmed S. Abdel‐Moneim +4 · 1 voice
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · #Aquatic life and conservation #Echinoderm biology and ecology #Seaweed-derived Bioactive Compounds
paper · pdf · doi:10.1515/chem-2025-0179
openalex publication_date 2025/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/07/03 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/11
Abstract Helminthiasis is a global parasitic disease, and current anthelmintics like albendazole are costly, toxic, and increasingly ineffective due to resistance. Marine organisms, such as Holothuria polii , rich in bioactive compounds, are emerging as alternative therapeutic sources. This study evaluated the anthelmintic and anti-inflammatory effects of Holothuria polii extract (HpE) and identified potential molecular targets through docking studies. Allolobophora caliginosa was used as a model worm. Five groups were tested: three HpE doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/ml), a distilled water control, and albendazole (20 mg/ml). HpE’s chemical composition was analyzed via gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS). HpE induced rapid paralysis and death of worms, outperforming albendazole. GC–MS identified 20 bioactive compounds. Histological and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses showed cuticle damage in HpE-treated worms. HpE also inhibited nitric oxide production by 44.4, 46, and 49% at increasing doses. Molecular docking revealed that 1-(3-hydroxy-4-methylphenyl)-1,3,3,6-tetramethyl-5-indanol had the highest affinity for the tubulin β-chain of Parelaphostrongylus tenuis , surpassing albendazole in docking score (−5.704 vs −3.656). HpE exhibits potent in vitro anthelmintic and anti-inflammatory activity, supporting further investigation as a novel anthelmintic therapy.