Effectiveness of <scp> <i>Chromolaena odorata</i> </scp> Extracts Against Cercariae From <scp> <i>Schistosoma mansoni</i> </scp> : Pharmacological Related Properties and Phytochemical Profile

Abstract

ABSTRACT Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease transmitted by freshwater snails, affects over 251.4 million people globally, with sub‐Saharan Africa bearing 95% of the disease burden. This study evaluates the phytochemical composition, characterizes the bioactive secondary metabolites, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and the cercaricidal properties, as well as the biosafety of the methanolic and hexane extracts of Chromolaena odorata . Phytochemical screening of C. odorata extracts identified tannins, flavonoids, and saponins in the methanolic extract and steroids and alkaloids in the hexane extract. LC‐MS and HPLC‐UVESI‐TOF‐MS analyses confirmed the presence of polyphenols (flavonoids) and aromatic dicarboxylic acid compounds. Antioxidant analysis revealed strong free radical scavenging potential of the plant extracts. Both extracts demonstrated potent cercaricidal activity against Schistosoma mansoni , with LC 50 values as low as 0.2012 and 0.2410 μg/mL, respectively. The anti‐inflammatory effects were determined via inhibition of heat‐induced albumin denaturation, with plant extracts able to inhibit protein denaturation, particularly the methanolic extract that shows a percentage of inhibition of 73.56% at the highest concentration tested. Cytotoxicity assays on LLCMK2 cells showed low toxicity of the extracts. These findings suggest that crude C. odorata extracts possess antischistosomal, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory properties, supporting their potential integration into primary healthcare strategies for schistosomiasis control.