Indian Adult Earthworms Research Articles

Evaluating the anthelmintic potential of leaf gall extracts of Terminalia chebula (Gaertn.) Retz. (Combretaceae)

OBJECTIVE:Termineliachebula (T. chebula) gall extracts are widely used asian folk and traditional medicine. The present study was done to evaluate the anthelmintic potential of different extracts of leaf galls. METHODS:The Anthelmintic activity was assessed by applying five different concentrations of the plant extracts on Indian adult earthworms and the time of paralysis and death was recorded. RESULTS: The ethanolic extract processed potent anthelmintic activity, when compared to the other extracts. The lowest time for paralysis and death of worms, for test sample at highest concentration (250mg/ml), were found to be 7.30+2.66 and 14 ± 0.58 min, respectively. Albendazole, which was used as standard, caused paralysis and death of worms at 07.00+3.55 min and 12.60+2.01min respectively; whereas no mortality of the worms was observed, when distilled water was used as control. The presences of phenolics, flavonoids, triterpens, saponins, glycosides, phytosterols, reducing sugars were identified in the extracts and the significant anthelmintic property of T. chebulamight be due to the presence of alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and flavanoids. CONCLUSION:The results of this study establishes the antihelmentic activities of T. chebula leaf gall extracts and justify the ethnobotanical approach in the search for novel bioactive compounds. The anthelmintic potential of T. chebula extracts may be due to the presence of phyto-constituents like alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and flavanoids. Future work will be interesting to know the chemical composition and better understand the mechanism of action of the antioxidants present in the extract for development as drug for therapeutic application. Key words: Termineliachebula, Plants, Galls, Albendazole, anthelmintic, Drug.

In vitro anthelmintic efficacy of Borassus flabellifer Linn. (Palmae) against Pheretima posthuma

ObjectiveTo investigate the anthelmintic activity of Borassus flabellifer (B. flabellifer) Linn. leaves against Indian adult earth worms (Pheretima posthuma). MethodsThe B. flabellifer leaves and Indian adult earth worms (Pheretima posthuma) were collected and authenticated. Earth worms were grouped and treated with extract at 10, 20 and 50 mg/mL concentration, albendazole (10 mg/mL) as a standard and normal saline. The paralysis time and mortality time was considered as indicator of anthelmintic efficacy. ResultsAll the extracts showed concentration dependent activity but significant activity was observed at 50 mg/mL. At concentration 50 mg/mL extract pertained better activity with paralysis time (13.3 min) and death times (17.92 min) when compared to standard albendazole. ConclusionsThe study findings reveal that the methanolic extract of B. flabellifer leaves has effective anthelmintic activity against Indian adult earth worms.

In vitro anthelmintic and antioxidant potential of fruits of Momordica charantia: A comparative study

Background and Purpose: Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae) is used as both food and management of diverse human diseases science ancient time, including in the treatment of worm infection. This study was aimed to evaluate the comparative anthelmintic and anti-oxidant activity of juice and extracts of whole fruit, peels, and seed of M. charantia.Materials and Methods: In vitro anthelmintic activity of methanol extract of whole fruit, fruit peels, seed and fresh juice whole fruit, peels of M. charantia was investigated against Indian adult earthworms (Eisenia foetida). Extracts and juices are also investigated for their anti-oxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH• ) scavenging assay method. Results: Extracts and juice showed potent anti-oxidant and anthelmintic activity. Methanol extract of fruit peel demonstrated strong DPPH• scavenging activity (IC 50 = 29.02 ± 0.86 μg/ml), juice of fruit peel also produced good radical scavenging effect (57.30 ± 0.99 μmol TE/ml). Methanol extract of fruit peel showed potent anthelmintic effect which is similar to standard albendazole. Whole fruit and seed extract also produced significant anthelmintic effect. Whole fruit juice and peel juice showed similar but moderate in vitro anthelmintic effect. Conclusion: The wormicidal activity of extract and juice against earthworms suggests that they are effective against parasitic infections of humans. Results justify the use of fresh kerala juice by traditional medicinal practitioner to cure worm infection, and showed the potential to develop natural anthelmintic constitute from the fruit of the plant.

Evaluation of in-vitro anthelmintic activity of Heliotropium indicum Linn. leaves in Indian adult earthworm

ObjectiveTo carry out an exhaustive study with a view to substantiate the therapeutic potential of the plant in terms of its anthelmintic activity against Pheretima posthuma using mebendazole as a reference standard. MethodsForty five worms were collected and were divided into nine groups and were washed in normal saline before they were released into 10 mL of respective drug solutions using distilled water as vehicle. Different concentrations (25 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL and 100 mg/mL) of the test (MEHI and AEHI) and standard solution were prepared before the commencement of the experiment. Time for paralysis and time for death were recorded for each group. ResultsCrude methanolic extract with concentrations of 25 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL, 100 mg/mL produced dose-dependent paralysis. Time of paralysis and death increased with concentration of 25 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL as compared with that of standard drug mebendazole. Methanolic extract of Heliotropium indicum Linn. (H. indicum) gave shorter paralysis and death time at 100 mg/mL as compared to aqueous extract H. indicum Linn. Results are expressed as mean±SEM (P<0.05) of 5 worms in each group. ConclusionsFrom the investigation, conclusion can be drawn that the methanolic extract of H. indicum (Boraginaceae) showed better activity than aqueous extract of the same to treat intestinal worm infections. In comparison with the standard drug mebendazole, methanolic extract of H. indicum showed significant anthelmintic efficacy.

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF ANTHELMINTIC ACTIVITY OF TWO PLANTS FROM THE FAMILY EUPHORBIACEAE

The anthelmintic activities of aqueous, methanolic and acetone extract of Acalypha indica L. and Euphorbia hirta L. belong to the family Euphorbiaceae were evaluated separately on Indian adult earthworm Pheretima posthuma (Annelida). Extracts were prepared using soxhlet extraction and crude extract preparation methods with various concentrations (10, 25 and 50 mg/ml). Each extracts were tested in the bioassay, which involved determination of time of paralysis and time of the death of the worms. All extract were able to show anthelmintic activity at all concentration. The activities are well comparable with standard drug albendazole and piperazine citrate as positive control, distilled water (for aqueous extract) was used as negative control did not show any anthelmintic activity. The methanolic extract of both plant exhibited dose dependent anthelmintic activity showing maximum efficacy at 50 mg/ml concentrations. Methanolic and acetone extracts exhibit significant anthelmintic activity in present study. Methanolic extract of Acalypha indica L. have profound anthelmintic activity

ANTHELMINTIC ACTIVITY OF METHANOLIC LEAF EXTRACT OF SOPHORA INTERRUPTA

Crude methanolic extracts of leaves of Sophora interrupta (Fabaceae) were evaluated for in vitro a nthelmintic activity on the Indian adult earthworms Pheritima posthuma . Albendazole was used as a standard drug to compare the test results. The results were interpreted as time taken for paralysis and death of the earth worms. The study conclud ed that the methanolic leaf extract of Sophora interrupta showed significant Anthelmintic activity in a dose dependent inhibition of spontaneous motility of earthworms.

In vitro biological standardization, formulation and evaluation of directly compressed polyherbal anthelmintic tablets

IntroductionHerbal medicines are free from side effects, adverse effects and they are economical and easily available will be beneficial for the mankind over the centuries. Helminth infections are the common infections affecting the large portion of the world's population and can be easily treated by using medicinal plants. MethodsThe present study was aimed to formulate the polyherbal anthelmintic tablets having composition of Uraria lagopoides, Punica granatum, and Saraca asoca by direct compression method using Super Tab 11SD, Primojel, talc and magnesium stearate as excipients and subjected to evaluation of pre compression and post compression parameters. Finally the unit dosage form was evaluated for its anthelmintic activity using Indian adult earthworm Pheretima posthuma. Results and conclusionTime taken for paralysis, death of the worms was recorded. It was found to be statistically significant.

In vitro anthelmintic activity of Acacia catechu Willd

Aim: The present study was designed to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of heartwood of Acacia catechu Willd. Materials and Methods: The alcoholic extract of heartwood of Acacia catechu Willd and its ethyl acetate fractions at different concentrations were tested on Indian adult earthworms (Pheretima posthuma) by in vitro standard procedure. Time of paralysis and time of death of the worms were considered as the parameters to assess the anthelmintic action. Albendazole and 2% w/v gum acacia in distilled water were used as standard and control respectively. Results: The ethyl acetate fraction of alcoholic extracts exhibited potent anthelmintic activity compared to alcoholic extract as evidenced by a significant decrease in time of paralysis and death. The observed activity could be due to the presence to phenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids in the test extract. Conclusion: These in vitro studies indicated that the A. catechu Willd. is a significant source of natural anthelmintic, which might be helpful in preventing the progress of various parasitic disorders. Key words: Acacia catechu, alcoholic extract, anthelmintic activity, death, ethyl acetate fraction, paralysis

Anthelmintic screening of some Plants used In Traditional Medicine

In Indian medicinal plant literature, leaves of Annona squamosa, Annona reticulata Balanites aegyptica Caesalpinia bonducella, Cleome gynandra and Diplocyclos palmatus have been traditionally reported to be used as anthelmintics. Hence, it is essential to examine these plant species for anthelmintic potential to support traditional claim. The present study was carried out to determine and compare anthelmintic efficacies of these plants against the commercially available anthelmintic drug, nitazoxamide. Ethanol extracts of leaves of all studied plants were examined for anthelmintic activity against Indian adult earthworm. All extracts demonstrated highly significant dose-dependent anthelmintic activity at tested concentrations of 10, 20, 50 mg/ml, compared with reference standard nitazoxamide. In conclusion, all studied plants have potential application in the treatment of helminthes infections. The results of this study also validated the basis for the traditional use of these plants as anthelmintics in Indian medicine.

In vitro Anthelmintic Activity of Stem Extracts of Piper betle Linn Against Pheritima Posthuma

In this study the anthelmintic activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of stems of Piper betle Linn was performed. Indian adult earthworms were used for the assessment of anthelmintic activity. Albendazole (40 mg/ml) was used as standard and normal saline water was used as vehicle respectively. Observations were made for the time taken to paralysis and death. In ethanolic extract [P (min) = 1.15, D = 2.16], the activity was found to be more effective as compared to the standard drug Albendazole [P (min) = 2.34, D (min) = 5.68] and aqueous extract [P (min) = 4.38, D (min) = 7.16]The mode of action of Albendazole is to cause paralysis of worms and to expel them in the feaces. Albendazole causes degenerative alterations in the intestinal cells of the worm. Degenerative changes in organs like endoplasmic reticulum, the mitochondria results in decreased production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy required for the survival of the helminthes. Due to diminished energy production, the parasite is immobilized and eventually dies. The ethanolic extract of stems of Piper betle Linn not only demonstrated anthelmintic property but they also caused death of the worms when compared with marketed standard preparation i.e. Albendazole (40mg/ml) and different concentrations of aqueous extract. It is concluded that stems of Piper betle Linn is potent anthelmintic. Since this is the preliminary work, separation of chemical constituents which are responsible for the activity may be done in the future.

Anthelmintic and in vitro antioxidant evaluation of fractions of methanol extract of Leea asiatica leaves

Leea asiatica, a folk medicinal plant of India, is used in the treatment of worm infection and other oxidative stress-related disorders, traditionally. In the present study, the in vitro anthelmintic and in vitro antioxidant activity of different fractions of the methanol extract from the Leea asiatica leaves were evaluated. The fraction displayed significant anthelmintic activity against Indian adult earthworms (Pheretima posthuma). The ethyl acetate fraction showed a better paralysis activity (13.99 ± 0.59), while the methanol fraction showed a better death time (63.76 ± 0.73 minutes), when compared with other fractions, at a dose of 50 mg/ml concentration. The anthelmintic activity of methanol and the ethyl acetate fraction were almost similar and comparable to the standard drug, piperazine citrate. The petroleum ether fraction did not produce a potent anthelmintic effect compared to the standard. The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by using the diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, nitric oxide radical scavenging assay, lipid peroxidation assay, and the ferric thiocyanate method. The ethyl acetate fraction showed better antioxidant activity in all tested methods. The IC50 value of the ethyl acetate fraction in the DPPH radical, nitric oxide radical scavenging assay, and lipid peroxidation assay were 9.5, 13.0, and 57.0 μg/ml, respectively. The fractions significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited the peroxidation of linoleic acid. The results confirmed the folk use of Leea asiatica in warm infection and the plant could be viewed as a potential source of natural anthelmintic and antioxidant compound.

IN VITRO ANTHELMINTIC ACTIVITY OF ANOGEISSUSLATI FOLIA EXTRACT AGAINST PHERITIMA POSTHUMA

Crude extracts of Anogeissus Latifolia were evaluated for in-vitro anthelmintic activity on the Indian adult earthworms Pheritima posthuma. The leaves extracts of Anogeissus Latifolia had shown a dose dependant inhibition of spontaneous motility (Paralysis) of earthworms. It has been observed that ethanolic extract (60mg/ml) has shown anthelmintic activity, which was compared with albendazole as reference drug. Therefore the leaves could be categorized under anthelmintic herbal drugs and could become a potent key ingredient of such herbal formulation.

Anthelmintic activity of aerial parts of Costus speciosus

The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the anthelmintic activity of the methanolic and aqueous extracts of the aerial parts of Costus speciosus in Indian adult earthworms (Pheretima posthuma). The anthelmintic activity of methanolic (25 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml) and aqueous extracts (25 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml) of the aerial parts of Costus speciosus was evaluated using Indian adult earthworms (Pheretima posthuma) as experimental worms. Albendazole (20 mg/ml) was used as standard drug. The anthelmintic potency of the extracts was inversely proportional to the time taken for paralysis or death of the worms. All the results were expressed as a mean±SEM. The aqueous extract showed more significant effect on paralyzing the worms, in terms of paralysis time, at every concentration compared to that of methanolic extract when compared with standard. In case of the methanolic extract at 25 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml concentrations paralysis was observed at 8.10±0.37, 3.97±0.40 and 2.72±0.26 min respectively and death at 8.88±0.40, 4.78±0.32 and 3.70±0.45 min respectively. The aqueous extract at dose of 25 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml produced paralysis within 6.70±0.33, 3.62±0.30 and 2.55±0.27 min respectively while death was observed within 7.48±0.32, 4.48±0.31 and 3.62±0.29 min respectively. The standard drug Albendazole (20 mg/ml) showed paralysis at 11.65±0.51 min and death occurred after 13.67±0.36 min. As Costus speciosus showed significant anthelmintic activity in the experimental study, it can be used as a promising anthelmintic agent. Key words: Albendazole, anthelmintic activity, Costus speciosus, Pheretima posthuma