IN VITRO EVALUATION OF ANTHELMINTIC ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF AERIAL PARTS OF PHYLLANTHUS FRATERNUSWEB. IN ADULT EARTHWORMS

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of ethanolic extract of aerial part of Phyllanthus fraternus Web. leaves (EEPF) using adult earthworms (Pheretimaposthuma). Methods: Adult earthworms (24in number) were divided into 4 groups with 6 worms in each group (n=6). The anthelmintic activity of EEPF at two different doses (25 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml) were evaluated by assessing the time of paralysis (min) and time of death (min) of the earthworms. Albendazole (25 mg/ml) was used as standard and 2% gum acacia as control. Results: Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA followed by Bonferroni test. P<0.05 was considered as significant. The result showed that EEPF had significant anthelmintic activity (p<0.001) but less potent than the standard drug albendazole. Conclusion: EEPF demonstrated significant anthelmintic activity but less potent than the standard drug albendazole. However, further studies with higher doses are required to evaluate the dose-dependent activity and to evaluate the exact mechanism responsible for anthelmintic activity.