In vitro study of effects of alcoholic extract of Chelidonium majus L. on Ichthyophthirius multifiliis theronts

Ichthyophthiriasis, which is also known as white spot or Ich, is caused by a parasitic ciliate called Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and it is one of the most important and common parasitic diseases. It may cause high mortality in large scale in ornamental and edible fresh water fish. To control this disease Malachite green, formalin, chloramine-T and other chemical compounds can be used, but each of these compounds may cause serious harm to human population and the environment. Therefore, introducing natural alternative compounds to use against this disease seems necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate the alcoholic extract of Chelidonium majus L. in concentrations (0/1-6/4 gr/l) and exposure time of 1 to 3 hours on Ichthyophthirius multifiliis in vitro. The obtained data were statistically compared with the results obtained from the positive control sample (15 ppm formalin) and the control treatment. The results implicated that the mortality rate of parasitic teronts has a direct and significant relationship with increasing the concentration of the extract and the time of exposure and the mortality of the parasites increased significantly (p<0.05) with increasing the concentration of alcoholic extract from 0/1 to 6/4 gr/l. dosage 6/4 with 100% lethality had the best performance and is the most appropriate dose. There is no significant difference (p>0.05) between obtained data in comparison with formalin (control positive group), although the possibility of using this dose to treat live fish requires clinical examination.