Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part G (2025)

Helminthiasis, or parasitic worm infection, remains a major global public health crisis, imposing a disproportionate burden on low- and middle-income nations where poverty and persistent sanitation challenges facilitate high transmission rates. This chronic endemic situation is gravely compounded by the rapidly emerging threat of anthelmintic drug resistance against core therapeutic agents, including albendazole, ivermectin, and pyrantel pamoate. The escalating crisis necessitates an urgent pivot toward exploring robust, naturally occurring alternatives. This systematic review addresses this imperative by consolidating and critically analyzing available scientific literature regarding the phytochemistry, proposed pharmacological mechanisms, and in vivo evidence supporting the anthelmintic potential of Crassula ovata (the Jade Plant), a succulent widely known for its traditional ethnomedicinal applications.

Analysis confirms that C. ovata possesses a remarkably rich phytochemical profile. Its bioactive components—specifically flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, and phenolics—are suggested to act synergistically to produce potent anti-parasitic effects. The evidence points towards multifaceted mechanisms of action, including the crucial disruption of the worm's protective cuticle, leading to cellular damage; the induction of neuromuscular inhibition resulting in paralysis and expulsion; the generation of lethal levels of oxidative stress; and interference with essential helminthic metabolic pathways.

In conclusion, the findings position C. ovata as a compelling candidate for the development of novel, plant-derived anthelmintic agents. However, the review simultaneously highlights significant research deficiencies, particularly the need for standardized extraction protocols, comprehensive toxicity studies, and controlled clinical trials to validate efficacy and safety for human and livestock applications. Future research must focus on isolating and characterizing specific active compounds to fully harness the therapeutic potential of this promising natural resource.