In vitro Study of Effects of Alcoholic Extract of Pomegranate Peel on Ichthyophthirius multifiliis Theronts

The Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) is one of the most important parasites in aquaculture industry, which causes the fatal disease of Ichthyophthiriasis. Treatments for this parasite include the use of certain chemical medications. However, due to the many negative effects of chemical compounds on the environment and humans, extensive studies of plant extract effectiveness in treating this parasite are very important. This study evaluated the alcoholic pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel extract's antiparasitic activity against the parasite I. multifiliis in vitro. Under laboratory conditions, the anti-parasitic efficacy of pomegranate peel alcoholic extract against I. multifiliis at doses of (۰.۵, ۱, ۲, ۴, and ۸ g/l) was evaluated after exposure for six hours. Additionally, this extract's toxicity was assessed for ۹۶ hours on zebrafish at dosages of ۰.۵, ۱, ۲ and ۴ g/liter. The collected data were statistically contrasted with the results of the positive control sample (۱۵ ppm formalin) and the negative control treatment. The study revealed that the theronts may be destroyed in ۶ hours by concentrations of ۲, ۴, and ۸ g/liter, in addition to the concentration of ۱ g/liter, which caused the death of ۹۶% of theronts within this period. In the toxicity test, the concentrations (۲, ۴, and ۸ g/L) were highly toxic, and all the fish died, but the concentrations of ۱ and ۰.۵ g/L were safe doses within ۹۶ hours. Also, the value of EC۵۰ in this research was calculated as ۱.۴۱ g/liter. Therefore, the alcoholic extract of pomegranate peel in doses of ۲, ۴, and ۸ g/l is not effective for clinical treatment and is only suitable as an antiseptic. So, the dose of ۱ g/l has very good results and is recommended for clinical treatment.

Keywords:

Antiparasitic effect , Acute toxicity , Ichthyophthiriasis , alcoholic extract , pomegranate peel