Ethanolic extract of Etlingera elatior flower exhibits anthelmintic properties to Fasciola gigantica in vitro

BACKGROUND: Fasciolosis is a parasitic disease affecting the hepatobiliary system of livestock worldwide. The control of the fluke is important to be performed in endemic regions. AIM: This study aims to evaluate the effect of Etlingera elatior ethanolic extract on egg and adult stadia of Fasciola gigantica. METHODS: Fasciola gigantica in different stages were incubated with E. elatior ethanolic extract in different concentrations and time points. RESULTS: The number of developed eggs with different concentrations of 1.25%, 2.5%, and 5% was significantly decreased by 36.67%, 56.67%, and 56.67% on day 11 post-incubation, which showed an ovicidal effect of the herb. The developed eggs on day 14, which were represented by hatched larvae, were also decreased by 70%, 50%, and 13.33%, respectively. Significant flukicidal effects were observed in the incubation time of 80 minutes for the concentration of 20% (p = 0.007) and 640 minutes for 10% concentration (p = 0.003). Surface microscopy of adult F. gigantica showed damaged skin and spina with the erosion of the inner membrane and detached syncytium from the tegument. CONCLUSION: Overall, the results indicate that E. elatior has a promising anthelmintic property against F. gigantica in both ova and adult stages.