INVESTIGATION ON ANTIPARASITIC POTENTIAL OF NATURALLY DERIVED SUBSTANCES (NEEM TREE) AGAINST SCHISTOSOMA HAEMATOBIUM

ABSTRACT This study investigated the antiparasitic potential of naturally derived substances from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) against Schistosoma haematobium, a parasite responsible for urinary schistosomiasis. The research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different concentrations of neem extracts in inducing parasite mortality and to determine which plant parts exhibit the strongest activity. Specimens were collected from three locations—Yuli, Gubi, and Wuntin Dada—yielding 40, 30, and 30 samples respectively. Out of these, 30 specimens from Yuli, 20 from Gubi, and 15 from Wuntin Dada tested positive for S. haematobium. Results revealed a concentration-dependent effect of neem extract on parasite mortality. At 10 ml, mortality was generally low across all sites, while 20 ml showed moderate mortality, and 30 ml produced high mortality rates. Further analysis of neem plant parts indicated that the stem extract was most effective, showing high mortality at 30 ml, low mortality at 20 ml, and no effect at 10 ml. The root extract was less potent, with only low mortality observed at 30 ml and no mortality at lower concentrations. The findings suggest that neem stem extract demonstrates promising antiparasitic activity against S. haematobium and could serve as a potential natural alternative in schistosomiasis control. However, further phytochemical and in vivo studies are recommended to validate its efficacy and safety for practical application.