Tegumental Alterations on Raillietina galli, an Intestinal Parasite of Fowl, after Treatment with Millettia taiwaniania Extract

Millettia taiwaniana is a multipurpose medicinal plant used in the treatment of several diseases. The root bark is used by the Mizo people of India and Myanmar for the treatment of intestinal helminthiasis. The study aims to reveal the anthelmintic effects on a parasitic tapeworm of fowl, Raillietina galli, using scanning electron microscopy. The tapeworms were treated in vitro with the methanol extract of the root bark. The treated cestodes were fixed, dehydrated, and dried. They were then observed using scanning electron microscopy. There was massive tegumental damage throughout the body surface. Erosion and shrinkage were seen on the scolex and body segments. There were numerous pits due to disintegration of the tegumental layer. Folds and blebs were formed on the large gravid proglottids. M. taiwaniana extract exhibits powerful anthelmintic effects similar to those established of standard anthelmintic drugs.