Comparative evaluation of anthelmintic potential of Bauhinia variegata

Abstract

Objective: In the present study in vitro anthelmintic potential of petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform, ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Bauhinia variegata stem and leaf were evaluated using Pheretima posthuma model. rnMethod: Petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform, alcohol and aqueous extracts at the concentration of 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg/ml were tested in the bioassay, which involved determination of the time of paralysis (P) and time of death (D) of the worms. In anthelmintic activity, the parameters like-time of paralysis was noted when no movement of any short could be observed except when the worms when shaken vigorously. Time of death was determined by observing no movement when the worms were shaken vigorously or dipped in warm water (50 oC). Albendazole (40 mg/ml) was used as standard drug and normal saline as control. Result: The chloroform, ethanol and aqueous extracts exhibited significant anthelmintic activity. The death of worms were dose dependent and compared with standard drug albendazole. Further petroleum ether and benzene extracts failed to show anthelmintic effect. Further studies are in process to isolate the active principles responsible for the activity. Conclusion: Present investigation shows that chloroform, ethanol and aqueous extracts of Bauhinia variegata stem and leaf possess significant anthelmintic potential. When compared among the parts and the extracts alcohol and chloroform extracts of leaf were found to possess maximum anthelmintic activity. Further research is going on regarding the isolation of phyto-constituents responsible for the activity.