In vitro effect of azadirachtin on the motility and acetylcholinesterase activity of Cotylophoron cotylophorum (Fischoeder, 1901)

The anthelmintic activity of azadirachtin on the motility and acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) of the digenetic trematode Cotylophoron cotylophorum was studied. The worms were exposed to five different sub-lethal concentrations (0.001%, 0.002%, 0.003%, 0.004% and 0.005%) of azadirachtin for 2, 4 and 8 h. Motility response of the drug-treated parasites was recorded with the aid of electronic micromotility meter (EMM). Maximum inhibition in the motility (86.12%) and AChE activity (85.4% was observed in 0.005% concentration after 8 h of exposure. Azadirachtin, thus, acts as a potent AChE inhibitor, affecting the motor activity of the parasite, thereby leading to its expulsion from the host rumen.