Preliminary phytochemical screening and in vitro evaluation of anthelmintic activity of leaves and stem bark of Mangifera Indica L. (Anacardiaceae) 

Abstract

Human beings are afflicted with various diseases and infections. Among various types of infections, Helminthes infections are the most prevalent type of infection affecting a substantial fraction of the world's population. Among different herbs that provide healing affect to different infections. Mangifera Indica L. is one of those plants that have ethno medicinal claims against Helminthes. The present study is therefore aimed at validating the ethno medicinal claims for its use as an anthelmintic. The Preliminary phytochemical studies of the extract was carried out followed by determination of physicochemical parameters like moisture content, ash and extractive value. Anthelmintic activity of ethanolic extract was carried out on Indian earthworm Pheretima Posthuma. The Preliminary phytochemical studies of the extracts indicate the presence of flavonoids, tannins and steroids. Moisture content was 0.14 and 0.07% w/w for leaf and stem bark respectively; ash value 8% w/w and 9% w/w for leaf and stem bark; Water soluble extractive value (0.36% w/w and 0.44% w/w) and Alcohol soluble extractive value (0.6% w/w and 0.88% w/w. Anthelmintic activity showed significant anthelmintic properties at higher concentration. The ethanolic extract of Mangifera indica L. caused paralysis in 12.29 min and death in 17.32 min. in 80 mg/ml concentration while standard reference drug Albendazole at 40 mg/ml concentration has shown paralysis at 05.07 min and occurrence of death at 11.34 min. Further studies may be carried out to isolate active constituents from the extract to establish its mechanism of action.