In vitro anthelmintic activity and phytochemical characterization of Corallocarpus epigaeus (Rottler) Hook. f. tuber from ethyl acetate extracts

Abstract

Abstract Background Helminth infections occur in poverty-stricken areas and developing countries with warm and humid environments and where sanitary conditions are poor. Only few drugs are regularly used for the treatment of these parasite infections. Results For checking the anthelmintic activity, taking Corallocarpus epigaeus extracts and their composition was done using organic solvents, namely methanol, chloroform, ethyl acetate and hexane against Pheretima posthuma (earthworms). Four different concentrations (25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/ml, respectively) while normal saline and albendazole (20 mg/ml) were taken as the control and standard drug, respectively. Time of paralysis and death of the worms were determined. The result depict that the ethyl acetate extract showed finest activity. The minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) was found out to be 12.5 mg/ml against albendazole drug (20 mg/ml). The preliminary phytochemical qualitative analysis of the promising ethyl acetate extract showed the presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin, phenol, tannins and steroids. HPTLC analysis of ethyl acetate extract showed 6 bands. GC–MS results analysis of ethyl acetate extract showed 6 bands, the identified compounds were n-hexadecanoic acid and octadecanoic acid. Conclusion Identified bioactive compounds were n-hexadecanoic acid and 1-octadecanoic acid which may be useful for the treatment of helminthiasis.