"Lethal effects of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of nettle (Urtica dioica) on nymphs of Linguatula serrata under in vitro conditions

Document Type : Full Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Food Hygiene and Aquatic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

2 Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Linguatula serrata, commonly called the tongue worm, is a zoonotic parasite of the order Pentastomida. Its nymphs lodge in the internal organs of ruminants, causing lesions, organ condemnation, and economic losses in the livestock industry. Human infection may also occur through consumption of raw or undercooked tissues containing viable nymphs, emphasizing its veterinary and public health importance.
Objective: Increasing drug resistance and the harmful effects of chemical anthelmintics on health and the environment have driven interest in medicinal plants as alternative therapies. Nettle (Urtica dioica), a traditional herb with known bioactive compounds, was selected for evaluation. This study aimed to assess the lethal effects of its aqueous and alcoholic extracts against L. serrata nymphs under in vitro conditions.
Methods: Nymphs were isolated from mesenteric lymph nodes of slaughtered goats and exposed to four concentrations (10, 1, 0.1, and 0.01 mg/mL) of each extract for 24–96 hours. Ivermectin was used as the positive control and phosphate buffer as the negative control. Mortality was assessed by immobility and lack of reaction. LC₅₀ values were determined using probit analysis. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Duncan’s test, with p < 0.05 considered significant.
Results: The aqueous extract caused 100% mortality at 10 mg/mL within 48 hours, with an LC₅₀ of 0.964 mg/mL. The alcoholic extract produced 84% mortality after 96 hours at the same concentration (LC₅₀ = 1.188 mg/mL). Ivermectin induced 96–100% mortality within 12 hours at all concentrations (LC₅₀ = 0.316). The negative control showed no effect.

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Veterinary Research & Biological Products
Volume 39, Issue 1
2-94
March 2026
Pages 73-83

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History

  • Receive Date: 03 August 2025
  • Revise Date: 17 September 2025
  • Accept Date: 26 September 2025

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