In-vitro anthelminthic activity of Adina cordifolia, Nyctanthes arbor tristis and Thevetia peruviana on Phertima postuma and Ascaris gallis

Abstract

In Indian medicinal plant literature, leaves of Thevetia peruviana, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (Linn.), Adina cardifolia (Roxb.) have been traditionally reported to be used as anthelmintics. The scientific authentication about traditional claim of anthelmintic activity of the aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of Thevetia peruviana, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (Linn), Adina cardifolia (Roxb.) on Indian earthworms Pheretima postuma and nematode Ascaris gallis not yet available. Hence we conducted a comparative study to examine these plant species for anthelmintic potential to support traditional claim which can prove beneficial to the suffering people. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the three plant parts were investigated for anthelmintic activity using Indian earthworms Pheretima postuma and nematode Ascaris gallis showed significant result on both worms as compared to piperazine citrate. Determination of anthelmintic activity was done by recording the paralysis time (P) and death time (T) of the worms. Anthelmintic treatment is an important in inducing immunomodulation, subsequently useful in treatment of various diseases.