In-vitro evaluation of anthelmintic activity of aqueous extract of Nerium oleander

Abstract

The present study was aimed at the evaluation of in vitro anthelmintic activity of aqueous leaf extract of Nerium oleander against Indian earthworms Pheretima posthuma. The various concentrations (15mg/ml, 25mg/ml, 50mg/ml, 100 mg/ml) of plant extract were tested and results were expressed in terms of time for paralysis and time of the death of worms. In this study Albendazole (15mg/ml) was used as a Standard drug where as normal saline (0.9%Nacl) as control, and its final volume was made to 10 ml with Normal saline. The qualitative phytochemical investigation of aqueous extracts of leaves of Nerium oleander showed the presence of active chemical constituents such as Carbohydrates, Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Glycosides and Tannins, which are mainly responsible for anthelmintic activity. Aqueous leaf extract of Nerium oleander showed significant activity at higher concentration i.e.,100mg/ml when compared to standard drug (Albendazole).It can be concluded that Aqueous leaf extract of Nerium oleander can be used as anthelmintic.