Antiparasitic potential of Caesalpinia coriaria: Current evidence and prospects for equine health

Abstract

Parasitic infections remain a major constraint to equine health and performance, and the worldwide rise of anthelmintic resistance is forcing a shift toward integrated parasite management and new complementary tools. Caesalpinia coriaria (Divi-divi) pods are exceptionally rich in tannins and have been proposed as a potential source of antiparasitic phytochemicals. This review summarizes the current evidence on C. coriaria, focusing on its relevance to equine gastrointestinal helminths. Most available data come from in vitro screening against ruminant nematode models (mainly Haemonchus contortus), where pod extracts show consistent dose-dependent activity in egg hatch and larval assays. However, equine-specific in vitro data and controlled in vivo trials are currently lacking, and key translational questions remain unresolved (standardization, dosing, formulation, safety, and efficacy against equine targets such as cyathostomins and Parascaris spp.). We outline priorities for future equine-focused studies required before any practical application can be considered.

Keywords: Anthelmintic resistance; Caesalpinia coriaria; Cyathostomins; Equine; Parascaris; Tannins.