Improving the anthelmintic effectiveness of Benzyl 4-Aminochalcone with polysaccharides nanoemulsions

Small ruminant farming in developing countries is hindered by gastrointestinal nematodes, such as Haemonchus contortus causing anemia, leading to weight loss and reduced productivity. The excessive use of synthetic anthelmintics has driven resistance. Therefore, natural compounds are being investigated as alternative control strategies. Hence, the present study investigates the anthelmintic activity and cytotoxicity of Benzyl 4-Aminochalcone (B4AM) and its nanoemulsions. Three nanoemulsions (sodium alginate-coated B4AM (CNAlg), gum arabic-coated B4AM (CNGA) and uncoated B4AM (UN)) were prepared and characterized physicochemically. B4AM and nanoemulsions were evaluated in the egg hatch test (EHT) using H. contortus and their cytotoxicity was evaluated on murine fibroblasts. The release kinetics of B4AM, CNAlg and UN were studied. The CNAlg and CNGA showed superior visual stability compared to UN. The CNAlg, CNGA and UN presented, respectively, 267.64, 234.3 and 144.56 nm (particle size); -56.64, -58.26 and − 46.06 mV (zeta potential); 0.751, 0.782 and 0.049 (polydispersity index). Encapsulation efficiencies were 87.5% (CNAlg), 43.8% (CNGA), and 69.87% (UN). In the EHT, CNAlg and UN were more effective. The effective concentrations to inhibit 50% (EC50) of eggs ranging from 0.02 to 0.10 mg/mL. SEM revealed more pronounced changes in eggs treated with the UN. No cytotoxicity was observed (IC50 > 120 µg/mL). Kinetics presented a faster release for UN followed by CNAlg and B4AM. CNAlg improved B4AM solubilization, stability and anti-helminthic efficacy, with ovicidal effect comparable to the pure chalcone. Nanoemulsions showed promise for ovicidal control, but further studies are needed to assess their effectiveness in other life stages.