Prospects for plant anthelmintics in tropical veterinary medicine.

摘要

The current use of anthelmintic plants in tropical veterinary medicine is reviewed and attention is drawn to the lack of scientific evidence for the effectiveness of many now in use. Reasons why anthelmintic plants are not generally used in veterinary medicine, in contrast to their greater acceptance in human medicine, are considered. Strategies for development and use of anthelmintic plants are discussed, in particular the need for in vivo trials to identify those plants which are effective and suitable for general use. Attention is drawn to possible candidates, including Artemisia maritima, Caesalpinia crista, Melia azedarach, Mallotus philippensis, Chrysanthemum spp, and Matteuccia orientalis. It is suggested that anthelmintic plants offer a sustainable and environmentally acceptable alternative to manufactured anthelmintics. Such plants could have a more important role in the future control of helminth infections in the tropics.