Dual anthelmintic activity of Cicerbita alpina

Anthelmintic resistance is an increasing threat to humans and livestock as the efficacy of established vermifuges continues to decline [ 1 ]. In response, we investigated several plant species native to alpine regions with known traditional uses. The methanol extract of Cicerbita alpina (L.) Wallr., a bitter tasting culinary delicacy, showed promising anthelmintic activity [ 2 ] and was therefore subjected to in-depth chemical studies. Liquid-liquid partitioning of the methanolic extract yielded fractions that were tested in parallel in three assays: embryo development (ED), worm motility (WMT) and cytotoxicity. Against Caenorhabditis elegans , the polar fractions showed significant inhibition of motility (BuOH: 49% WMT at c=150 μg/ml; EtOAc: 74% WMT at c=150 μg/ml) and simultaneously impaired embryo development [ 3 ]. These results suggest that the constituents of the fractions have dual anthelmintic activity over multiple life cycle stages (eggs and adult worms) of helminths. In addition, the BuOH fraction was not cytotoxic to human cell lines. Subsequently, the fractions were purified and single chemical entities were identified that exhibited activities in the range of flubendazole and albendazole. Here we present the identified natural products and their mode of action. Publication History Article published online: 05 March 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany