In vitro evaluation of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) seed ethanolic extract as an anthelmintic against Ascaridia galli in native chickens

Helminth infections, particularly Ascaridia galli, significantly impair poultry health and productivity, especially among native chickens raised under natural conditions. The continuous of use of synthetic anthelmintics have led to resistance and drug residue concerns, emphasizing the need for natural alternatives. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic activity of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) seed ethanolic extract against Ascaridia galli and compare its efficacy with albendazole. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was employed with six treatments, 3 concentrations of albendazole (25, 50 and 100mg/5ml of distilled water) and 3 concentrations of jackfruit seed ethanolic extract (25, 50 and 100μl/5ml distilled water) replicated three times. Adult Ascaridia galli worms were exposed to each treatment, and observations on paralysis and mortality were recorded every 30 minutes. Paralysis was occurred as early as 1:30 hours with complete mortality recorded at 3 hours. The 100mg albendazole and 100μl of jackfruit seed ethanolic extract treatments showed the highest mortality, while 25μl jackfruit seed ethanolic extract exhibited comparable activity to 25mg albendazole, yielding significant paralysis (3.67) and mortality (5.67 values). Results indicate that jackfruit seed ethanolic extract possesses potent, rapid and dose dependent anthelmintic activity against Ascaridia galli. The 25μl/5ml of distilled water concentration was identified as minimal effective and potentially safe dose. Therefore, jackfruit seed ethanolic extract represent a promising, affordable, and ecofriendly natural deworming alternative for sustainable poultry production.