Phytochemical Screening and Comparative Anthelmintic Activity of Psidium guajava L. Leaves extract against Pheretima posthuma

Abstract

Objective: Psidium guajava L. (Family: Myrtaceae.), commonly known as Guava, is a well-known traditional medicinal plant used in treatment of vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery, flatulence, gastroenteritis, abdominal distention and hyperglycemia. The present study was carried out to evaluate Phytochemical and Comparative in vitro anthelmintic activity of P. guajava leave extracts against Indian adult earthworm Pheretima posthuma. Methods: The traditional medicinal plant is used to control gastrointestinal infections. The phytochemical analysis and anthelmintic effects of extracts (Chloform, aqueous & methanol) and the standard drug (Piperazine citrate) were tested against Indian adult earthworm. The time taken to paralyze and death time of earthworm was considered for anthelmintic effects. Results: The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavanoids, glycosides, alkaloids, steroids, and tannins. Methanolic extract of P. guajava leave extract was showed significant anthelmintic activity among all extracts. Methanolic extract have been found the highest rate of paralysis (1.8200.242 min) and death (5.5730.315 min) of earthworm against the standard drug Piperazine citrate. Conclusion: The wormicidal activity of P. guajava leaves extract suggests that it could be effective against parasitic infections of humans and validate the traditional use of P. guajava as a natural therapy for treatment of anthelmintic infection. Keywords: Anthelmintic activity; Psidium guajava; Earthworm; Pheretima posthuma; Ethnomedicine