IN VITRO OVICIDAL ACTIVITY OF TABERNAEMONTANA PANDACAQUI (PANDAKAKI) LEAF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT AGAINST ASCARIS LUMBRICOIDES IN VARYING CONCENTRATIONS

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, particularly those caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, remain a significant global health challenge in tropical regions like the Philippines. This study investigated the in vitro ovicidal activity of Tabernaemontana pandacaqui (Pandakaki) leaf ethanolic extract at varying concentrations (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) and exposure durations (15, 30, and 45 minutes). Using an experimental quantitative design, A. lumbricoides ova were extracted from stool samples via the Formalin-Ether Concentration Technique (FECT) and evaluated using a standardized morphological grading scale (0-3). Results indicated a significant dose-response and time-dependent relationship; the mean morphological damage score increased from 0.04 at a 25% concentration to 1.00 at a 100% concentration, while exposure duration saw a peak mean damage of 1.14 after 45 minutes. Statistical analysis using One-Way ANOVA and Dunns Post-Hoc test revealed that higher concentrations (75% and 100%) at the 45-minute mark were statistically comparable to the positive control, Mebendazole, in inducing severe structural alterations like shell thinning and rupture. These findings conclude that T. pandacaqui leaf ethanolic extract is a highly effective natural ovicidal agent. Its efficacy at higher concentrations suggests it could serve as a sustainable, cost-effective, and locally available alternative to synthetic anthelmintics in managing STH infections in resource limited communities.