A Survey of Knowledge, Approaches, and Practices Surrounding Parasitic Infections and Antiparasitic Drug Usage by Veterinarians in Türkiye.

Despite a global background of increasing anthelmintic resistance in parasites, little is known about the current parasite control strategies adopted within the livestock industry in Türkiye. The aim of this survey is to identify the parasitic diseases encountered by veterinarians, the methods and drugs used for the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases, parasite control practices, and other related factors. This survey was conducted online between October 2018 and March 2019 with the participation of 607 veterinarians working in different areas from seven different geographical regions of Türkiye. A total of 29 questions were posed to the veterinarians in the online survey. As a result of this survey, it was determined that veterinarians should utilize laboratory methods more frequently for the detection and diagnosis of parasitic diseases and anthelmintic resistance. It was concluded that to effectively implement diagnosis, prevention, and control measures for parasitic diseases, field veterinarians need to establish closer relationships within academia and increase their participation in national and international conferences, symposia, and workshops where knowledge sharing and exchange take place. In conclusion, antiparasitic drug resistance has become increasingly important recently, and therefore measures taken to prevent the development of resistance should be increased.

Insecticidal Activity of Hyoscyamus niger L. on Lucilia sericata Causing Myiasis.

BACKGROUND: Hyoscyamus niger L. (Solanaceae) generally known as henbane, is commonly distributed in Europe and Asia. In Turkey, henbane seeds have been used in folk medicine to remove worms from the eyes. The present study aimed to investigate the insecticidal activity of H. niger seeds. METHODS: n-hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and alkaloid extracts were prepared from the seeds of the plant and their insecticidal activities on Lucilia sericata larvae were evaluated. EC50 and EC90 values of the alkaloid extract were calculated and morphological abnormalities were investigated. RESULTS: Alkaloid extract prepared from the seeds of this plant displayed significant insecticidal activity. EC50 values of H. niger seeds alkaloid extract were found to be 8.04, 8.49, 7.96 µg/mL against first, second and third instar, respectively. It was determined that malformations of larvae included damaged larvae with small size, contraction and weak cuticle. Furthermore, HPLC analysis was performed on alkaloid extract of H. niger seeds and main components of the extract were determined. It was determined that alkaloid extract mainly contain hyoscyamine and scopolamine. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm the folkloric usage of the plant and suggest that the alkaloid content of the plant could be responsible for the insecticidal activity.

The scolicidal activity of the essential oil obtained from the needles of Pinus nigra Arn. subsp. pallasiana (Lamb.) Holmboe on hydatid cyst.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro activity of the essential oil of Pinus nigra subsp. pallasiana against protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. In traditional Turkish folk medicine, the essential oils and resin of P. nigra and P. sylvestris are used externally for wound healing. They are also used in cattle for treating worms and as boiling essence against cold and stomachache. Protoscoleces were aseptically aspirated from sheep livers having hydatid cysts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three concentrations (10, 30, and 50 mg/mL) of the essential oil from P. nigra subsp. pallasiana cones were used for 10-60 min. The essential oil was applied to protoscoleces of hydatid cyst to determine the scolicidal activity of the essential oil. Viability of protoscoleces was observed by 0.1% eosin staining. RESULTS: The rate of dead protoscoleces was found to be 2.27% in the control group, which was not treated with essential oil. The rate of dead protoscoleces increased to 61.69%, 69.39%, 75.98% and 71.76% respectively after, 10, 20, 30, and 60 min when the protoscoleces were exposed to the P. nigra subsp. pallasiana essential oil at 10 mg/mL concentration. When protoscoleces were exposed to the essential oil of P. nigra subsp. pallasiana for 10, 20, 30, and 60 min at 30 mg/mL concentration, the mortality rates of protoscoleces were determined as 3.82%, 91.33%, 94.67% and 96.74%, respectively. The mortality rate of 100% was determined at 50 mg/mL concentration after 60 min of exposure. According to statistical analysis, P. nigra subsp. pallasiana essential oil at all concentrations had significant scolicidal effects compared to the control group at all exposure times. CONCLUSIONS: The essential oil of P. nigra subsp. pallasiana needles showed scolicidal activity and it could be a new scolicidal agent for using in hydatid cyst treatment.

Effective eradication of pinworms (Syphacia obvelata and Aspiculuris tetraptera) with Polygonum cognatum Meissn.

Polygonum cognatum Meissn. (Polygonaceae) is a wild edible plant known locally as "solucanotu, madimak" in Turkey and it has been used for various purposes, such as diuretic and antidiabetic, as well to treat oxyuris and worms internally in humans. The present study was carried out to investigate the anthelmintic activity of various extracts were obtained from the aerial parts of P. cognatum in order to justify its traditional usage in Turkish folk medicine. n-Hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts were prepared from the aerial parts of the plant, successively. The anthelmintic potentials of these extracts were evaluated on mice naturally infected with Syphacia obvelata and Aspiculuris tetraptera. Cellophane perianal tape test and fecal flotation test were used for the activity screening. The results were compared with control and reference groups. In addition to all these experiments, the total amount of phenolic compounds and tannin contents thought to be responsible for the activity were evaluated for all extracts. According to the results, it has been found that the methanolic extract reduced the number of S. obvelata (66.8%) and A. tetraptera (73.4%) eggs. Moreover, the methanolic extract include higher amount of total phenolic compound (48.75 ±â€¯0.82 mg of GA/g of extract) and tannin (30.04 ±â€¯0.22 mg TA/g of extract) than n-Hexane (17.21 ±â€¯0.75 mg of GA/g of extract; 6.82 ±â€¯0.41 mg TA/g of extract) and ethyl acetate (25.06 ±â€¯0.94 mg of GA/g of extract; 10.29 ±â€¯0.34 mg TA/g of extract); therefore the anthelmintic activity could be related to these constituents. The present study explored the anthelmintic potential of P. cognatum. Further studies should be conducted into the mechanism of these compounds' against helminths. This study can be an important step in the discovery of new anthelmintic agents.

Potential anthelmintic activity of Pelargonium endlicherianum Fenzl.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The decoction prepared from the roots of Pelargonium endlicherianum Fenzl. has been used for the treatment of gastrointestinal parasitism in small ruminants in Turkish Folk Medicine. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the present study is to investigate in vitro anthelmintic activity of the extracts prepared from the roots of Pelargonium endlicherianum Fenzl. (Geraniaceae). MATERIALS AND METHODS: So as to determine the potential anthelmintic effect of the roots of the plant, n-hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and methanol (MeOH) extracts were successively prepared. In vitro test methods were used for the determination of the anthelmintic effect of the extracts on eggs, larvae and adults of Haemonchus contortus. The extracts were prepared in three increasing concentrations by using Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) for egg hatch, larval development assay and adult motility inhibition assay. PBS was used as negative control, levamisole (in PBS) was used as a reference. RESULTS: The extracts exerted significant anthelmintic activity on three lifecycle stages of Haemonchus contortus when compared to the negative control group (P<0.05). The activity was proportional to the concentrations of the plant extracts for egg hatching and the first stage larvae but not for the adult worms. Moreover, the results have shown that the MeOH extract was found to have higher ovicidal and larvicidal effects than the other extracts. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the present research have revealed that MeOH extract obtained from P. endlicherianum demonstrated in vitro anthelmintic effect against the eggs, the first stage larvae and the adult stage of H. contortus. These results confirmed the folkloric use of the plant. It was suggested that the tannin content of the plant could be responsible for the anthelmintic activity.

[Helminths identified by coprological examination in cattle raised in Bartin region]. / Bartin yöresi sigirlarinda diski bakisi ile tespit edilen helmintler.

OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to detect the presence and prevalence of helminths in cattle between March 2011-June 2012 in the Bartin and Amasra districts. METHODS: A total of 141 feacal samples of cattle younger than 1 year old (n=12), between 1 and 3 years old (n=48), more than 3 years old (n=81) were analyzed with sedimentation, flotation and Baermann Wetzel methods. Strongylid eggs in feaces were cultured and the larvae were then collected and identified. RESULTS: Of 141 cattle examined, 104 (73.75%) were obseved to be infected with various helminths. The ratio of infection was 66.67% in the under 1 year old, 93.75% in 1-3 year old and 62.96% in over 3 year old cattle and 73.68% in female and 74.07% male. 68.4% of Holstein, 91.67% of Simental and 75% of domestic cattle were found to be infected with various helminths. CONCLUSION: The helminth infection of cattle in the Bartin province is a problem that should not be ignored. Breeders should informed about this subject and necessary measures should be taken.

The Effects of Babesiosis on Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage in Anatolian Black Goats Naturally Infected with Babesia ovis.

BACKGROUND: A reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediate produced during an inflammatory response is the important part of host-defense strategies of organisms to kill the parasite. However, it is not well known whether these intermediates cause DNA damage and oxidative stress in goats infected with Babesia ovis. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of babesiosis on basal levels of DNA damage and oxidative status of goats naturally infected with B.ovis. METHODS: DNA damage and antioxidant parameters were determined in B. ovis infected goats. Ten infected Anatolian Black Goats with B. ovis diagnosed via clinical signs and microscopic findings and ten healthy were used in the study. RESULTS: The Babesia infection increased the levels of DNA damage, malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl content (PCO) and plasma concentration of nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), and decreased total antioxidant activities (AOA) and reduced glutathione (GSH). A significant positive correlation between DNA damage, MDA, PCO, and NOx concentrations was found in the infected goats. DNA damage showed a negative association with AOA and GSH concentrations in the infected goats. CONCLUSION: The Babesia infection increases oxidative stress markers and DNA damage and decreases AOA in goats. These results suggest that the increases in the production of free radicals due to Babesia infection not only contribute to host-defense strategies of organisms to kill the parasite but also induce oxidative damage in other cells.

In vitro anthelmintic effect of Vicia pannonica var. purpurascens on trichostrongylosis in sheep.

Vicia species are used for the treatment of malaria, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, kidney problems and infertility in Turkish traditional medicine. The present study was carried out to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic effects of Vicia pannonica Crantz. var. purpurascens (DC). Ser. extracts. Larval motility test was used to determine anthelmintic activity of this plant. Motility of the larvae is measured by observation. The methanol, n-hexane, chloroform, acetone, and aqueous extracts of the aerial parts of the plant including the leaves and flowers were applied to developing trichostrongylus larvae at 1, 0.8, 0.6, 0.4, 0.2 and 0.1 mg/ml doses. Thiabendazole and distilled water with 5% DMSO was used as positive and negative control. All of the extracts were 100% effective. Two flavone and flavonol glycosides; luteolin-7-ß-O-glucopyranoside (1) and quercetin-3-O-ß-glucopyranoside (2) were isolated from the acetone extract and their structures were elucidated by spectral techniques. The solutions prepared from two flavonoid fractions at several doses were performed in vitro to larvae in the same way. Both of them were 100% effective at 1 and 0.8 mg/ml doses. Results of the present study support the utilization of these plant species employed in Turkish folk medicine.

The in vivo anthelmintic efficacy of some Verbascum species growing in Turkey.

Verbascum L. (Scrophulariaceae) species are used for desiccating wounds and as a fish poison in Anatolia as well as for diarrhea and dysentery of animals in several countries. To further evaluate their activity, methanolic extracts obtained from 13 Verbascum species growing in Turkey, including V. chionophyllum Hub.-Mor., V. cilicicum Boiss., V. dudleyanum (Hub.-Mor.) Hub.-Mor., V. lasianthum Boiss., V. latisepalum Hub.-Mor., V. mucronatum Lam., V. olympicum Boiss., V. pterocalycinum var. mutense Hub.-Mor., V. pycnostachyum Boiss. & Heldr., V. salviifolium Boiss., V. splendidum Boiss., V. stachydifolium Boiss. & Heldr. and V. uschackense (Murb.) Hub.-Mor. were evaluated for their in vivo anthelmintic activity. The extracts from V. lasianthum, V. latisepalum, V. mucronatum and V. salviifolum showed the highest inhibitory rates against Aspiculuris tetraptera at 100mg/kg in mice. Additionally, extracts from V. dudleyanum and V. pterocalycinum var. mutense were found generally highly effective. The remaining species did not show any activity. Results of the present study support the utilization of these plant species employed in Turkish folk medicine.

The effect of levamisole and levamisole+vitamin C on oxidative damage in rats naturally infected with Syphacia muris.

This study was performed to determine the effects of levamisole and levamisole+vitamin C against Syphacia muris naturally infection in rats and to detect its effect on the oxidative parameters in blood and tissues of host. For this purpose, natural infection was diagnosed using the cellophane tape method on the perianal region of rats. Infected rats (total 18) were divided into three groups. On the other hand six without helminth rats were used in this study as negative control group. Group 2 was given an orally levamisole HCl treatment with gastric gavage at a dose level of 20mg/kg body weight in distilled water, every alternate day. Group 3 was given levamisole HCl via gastric gavage at a dose level of 20mg/kg and vitamin C was given 1g/L added to the drinking water. All the treatments continued for a period of 7 days. As a result; levamisole administered to rats at dose of 20mg/kg orally 98.34% was found to be effective against adult S. muris in the rats. In addition to levamisole+vitamin C is effective to alleviate the oxidative damage in rats infected with S. muris.

The acute effects of single-dose orally administered doramectin, eprinomectin and selamectin on natural infections of Syphacia muris in rats.

This study was designed to determine the acute effects of a single-dose of orally administered doramectin, eprinomectin and selamectin on Syphacia muris infection in rats. Rats, naturally infected with S. muris, were divided into four groups: three different treatment groups (n=7) and one positive control (n=7). Cellophane tape preparations were obtained from the treated rats on day 0 pre-treatment and on days 2, 4 and 6 post-treatment. Syphacia sp. eggs were counted. Eprinomectin was found to be 100% effective in eliminating eggs on two post-treatment. However when egg counts on day 6 post-treatment were compared with pre-treatment egg counts, doramectin and selamectin were found to be 99.32 and 98.77% effective in eliminating eggs, respectively. On day 7 post-treatment, blood samples were obtained from all groups, and then the rats were necropsied. Doramectin, eprinomectin and selamectin were found to be 100% effective in eliminating adult S. muris, when compared with the positive control group.

Efficacy of eprinomectin against Toxacara canis in dogs.

This study was made to investigate efficacy of eprinomectin against to Toxocara canis in dogs. In the study, 20 stray dogs naturally infected with T. canis were divided into two groups as treatment (ten dogs) and control (ten dogs). Eprinomectin (100 microg/kg, Eprinex 250 ml) was given to treatment group dogs orally, and eggs per gram were determined in the faeces on the day of pre-treatment and the second, fourth, sixth, eighth and tenth days of post-treatment. No side effects associated with nervous, respiratory, gastrointestinal systems and some haematological parameters were observed. In conclusion, eprinomectin was determined to be 100% effectual against T. canis.

[Examination of helminth contaminated wastewaters used for agricultural purposes in Afyonkarahisar]. / Afyonkarahisar'da tarimsal amaçli kullanilan atik sularin helmint kontaminasyonu yönünden incelenmesi.

This research was performed in order to examine helminth contaminated wastewaters used in agriculture in Afyonkarahisar. Ten rural areas were selected that used water for agricultural purposes from a creek contaminated with human and animal wastes. Between September 2004 and August 2005, these areas were visited once every two weeks, and a total of 240 water samples were collected. Out of untreated water samples, 32 samples (26.70%) had helminth eggs, whereas there were neither helminths nor developmental stages of helminths (p < 0.001) in treated water samples. Cestode eggs were seen in 10.00% of untreated water samples and nematode eggs were seen in 16.70%. Out of the helminth eggs, 13 (40.60%) were hookworm eggs; 6 (18.75%), Taenia spp.; 5 (5.60%), Ascaris lumbricoides; 3 (9.40%), Hymenolepis diminuta; 3 (9.40%), H. nana; and 2 (6.25%), Toxocara spp. In conclusion; the creek was found to be contaminated by helminths originating from human and animal wastes in Afyonkarahisar. This type of water presents a risk for human and animal health and contaminated waters, therefore, should be avoided in irrigation of vegetables and fruit consumed raw.

[The occurrence of gastrointestinal cestode and nematode infections in stray dogs in Afyonkarahisar and Eskisehir provinces]. / Afyonkarahisar ve Eskisehir illerindeki sokak köpeklerinde görülen gastrointestinal cestod ve nematod enfeksiyonlari.

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of cestode and nematode infections in stray dogs in Afyonkarahisar and Eskisehir provinces. A total of 287 dogs (n=150 from Afyonkarahisar and n=137 from Eskisehir) of different ages and sexes living in animal shelters were used in this study. After the coprological examination, dogs were found to be infected with various gastrointestinal cestode and nematode species. It was found that rates of infection were 46% (69 out of 150) in Afyonkarahisar and 33.6% (46 out of 137) in Eskisehir provinces. Species responsible for the infection were the same in both provinces. In the Afyonkarahisar province 59.4% hookworms, 47.8% Toxascaris leonina, 36.2% Toxocara canis, 2.9% Dipylidium caninum and 2.9% Taenia spp. were detected. In the Eskisehir province 60.9% Toxascaris leonina , 47.8% Toxocara canis, 23.9% Taenia spp., 6.5% hookworms and 4.3% Dipylidium caninum were detected. It was concluded that in Afyonkarahisar and Eskisehir provinces, stray dogs might be infected with helminths which put humans in danger and necessary measures are needed.

Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs: unusually located and unusual findings.

Clinical, blood, serum biochemistry, and parasitological assessments were performed on four hospitalized dogs, not in good general condition, in a study carried out to determine the prevalence of general parasitic infections. Hematological and biochemical parameters and electrocardiographic recording of the animals were determined during the general clinical examinations. Four dogs were indicated to have been infected with Dirofilaria immitis by using modified Knott's method, and the microfilarial density was determined. Mild to moderate anemia and decrease in sedimentation velocity were established in dogs. Differences in other hematological and biochemical values between the dogs were determined. Right axis deviation was determined in a dog. D. immitis was encountered in the right ventricle, bronchus, and the pericardial sac at the end of the necropsy. On the other hand, in the histopathological examinations, pulmonary adenocarcinoma deriving from bronchial epithelium was identified in a dog, and microfilaria was encountered in bronchial and bronchiolar lumens, interstitium of the lungs, and bile ducts. D. immitis has not been considered in the diagnosis of dogs with pneumonia and tumors. The requirement of parasitological examination with respect to D. immitis in the diagnosis of dogs with tumor or pneumonia has been considered vital.

Prevalence of coccidia in beef cattle in western Turkey.

A total of 504 bovine faecal samples collected from intensively managed beef farms in Afyon province of Turkey were examined to determine the types and prevalence of coccidian parasites present. Coccidian oocysts were found in 20.04% of all the samples examined by sucrose-flotation. The species detected and their prevalence were Eimeria bovis (34.55%), E. auburnensis (23.03%), E. canadensis (14.55%), E. brasiliensis (10.91%), E. zuernii (6.67%), E. bukidnonensis (3.03%), E. cylindrica (2.42%), E. ellipsoidalis (1.21%), E. illinoisensis (1.21%), E. alabamensis (1.21%) and Isospora sp. (1.21%). Mixed infections of two to four species were found in 43.6% of the animals. The overall prevalence of coccidial oocysts in faecal samples was 27.23% for calves, 15.65% for cows. Linear regression analysis showed that there is a significant reduction in the OPG (the number of oocysts per gram of feces) levels (P<0.05) in cows infected with Eimeria. No cases of clinical coccidiosis were observed in this survey.

[Gastrointestinal nematodes and their seasonal distribution in cattle raised in central Afyonkarahisar, Turkey]. / Afyonkarahisar il merkezinde yetistirilen sigirlarin mide bagirsak nematodlari ve mevsimsel dagilimlari.

This study was conducted during the period of September 2004-August 2005 in two villages with simple raising of cattle located in the center of the Afyonkarahisar province. Fecal samples collected from 985 cattle and the gastrointestinal tracts of 24 cattle were inspected. Strongyle types of eggs were observed in 26.39% of the fecal samples. The infection was found to be less prevalent in the spring (22%) and most prevalent in autumn (32.53%). The genus of larvae observed in fecal cultures were Haemonchus spp. 25.25%, Trichostrongylus spp. 23.71%, Nematodirus spp. 16.49%, Ostertagia spp. 10.30%, Cooperia spp. 8.76%, Bunostomum spp. 6.70%, Oesophagostomum spp. 6.18% and Chabertia ovina. 2.57%. H. contortus and Oesophagostomum venulosum (20.83%), O. radiatum (16.66%), Cooperia onchophora and Ostertagia ostertagi (8.3%), O. trifurcata, C. punctata and Chabertia ovina (4.16%) were found during inspections of the gastrointestinal tracts which were performed in order to determine the infective species. Based on these results, it was concluded that there are infections caused by gastrointestinal nematodes in this province but the severity of the infection is low and the seasons with highest infection risk are late spring and autumn.

The resistance of nematode parasites in sheep against anthelmintic drugs widely used in Western Turkey.

This study was carried out in seven sheep herds infected by gastro-intestinal nematodes in the Afyonkarahisar district (Western Turkey) from June to July 2005. Sixty sheep in each herd were distributed into 3 groups as anthelmintic treatment groups along with a control group containing 15 animals. The anthelmintic groups were treated with albendazole (7.5 mg/kg BW), oxfendazole (7.5 mg/kg BW)-oxyclosanide (15 mg/kg BW) combination and ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg BW-injectable). The faecal samples were collected before treatment and after 10 days of treatment. Nematode egg counts per gram of faeces (EPG) were examined in the faecal samples using the McMaster technique. To identify the genus, the faecal samples were cultured. The faecal egg count reduction test (FECR) was employed to determine the resistance. In ivermectin treated groups, the FECR% values and the lower confidence limits were estimated as A: 68.57(14.77), B: 46.42(22.47), C: 84.41(35.38), D: 95.23(61.64), E: 97.14(76.94), F: 65.21(80.46) and G: 91.66(31.69), respectively. In the A, B, C, F and G herds, statistical analysis showed that the FECR% values were less then 95% and the estimated lower confidence limits were less then 90%. In all herds, albendazole treated, oxfendazole-oxyclosanide treated and control group, there were no eggs in the feacal samples. In these groups, the FECR% values were 100. In ivermectin treated groups, the third stage larvae from the genera Haemonchus, Oesophagostomum, Trichostrongylus, Cooperia, Nematodirus and Ostertagia were detected in coprocultures before treatment and the larvae from the genera Haemonchus and Oesophagostomum were detected in post-treatment coprocultures in the resistant herds. In conclusion, there was no evidence of resistance in sheep gastro-intestinal nematodes against albendazole and oxfendazole-oxyclosanide; in contrast, the resistance against ivermectin was detected in five sheep herds in the Afyonkarahisar district.

Effect of parasitosis on allergic sensitization in rats sensitized with ovalbumin: interaction between parasitosis and allergic sensitization.

Some helminthic infections, especially nematode infections, may behave as allergens and induce allergic sensitization. In this study, the investigators explored whether infections with Syphacia muris and Aspiculuris tetraptera have any effect on the development of allergen-induced cytokine responses and serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized rats. Four groups of male Wistar rats were studied. OVA sensitization was generated in 2 groups of rats; the rats in 1 group were infected and those in the other group were not. On day 21 after sensitization, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-10, and total IgE levels in serum samples of rats were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that average concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-a and interleukin-10 were significantly greater in the group of rats infected with parasites and sensitized to OVA compared with the group uninfected with parasites and sensitized to OVA (P=.043 and P=.046, respectively). Upon comparison of total IgE concentrations, the group of rats infected with parasites and given saline solution showed higher levels compared with the group uninfected with parasites and given saline (P=.004). In conclusion, the investigators were unable to show a protective effect of an existing parasitic infection against the development of allergic sensitization upon exposure to OVA.

Evaluation of some plants used in Turkish folk medicine against parasitic infections for their in vivo anthelmintic activity.

Ethanolic and aqueous extracts obtained from nine plant species from seven families selected depending on their use in Turkish folk medicine, including Citrillus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. (seed), Jasminum fruticans L. (branches), Juniperus drupacea Labill. (fruits), Juniperus nana L. (fruit and leaves), Juniperus oxcycedrus L (fruit and leaves), Mentha longifolia L. (herba), Pinus nigra ssp. pallasiana (Lamb.) Richt. (fruits), Plantago lanceolata L. (leaves), and Zea mays L. (seed) were evaluated for their in vivo anthelmintic activity. Among the plant extracts studied, both ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Jasminum fruticans, Mentha longifolia and Pinus nigra ssp. pallasiana, the aqueous extracts of Zea mays, the ethanolic extracts of Citrillus lanatus, Juniperus drupacea (fruit), Juniperus oxcycedrus and Plantago lanceolata displayed significant anthelmintic activity against pinworms, Syphacia obvelata and Aspiculuris tetraptera, in mice. Rest of the extracts from plants did not show any remarkable anthelmintic activity. The results were considered significant at p<0.05.