Abstract

IN-VITRO ANTHELMENTIC ACTIVITY OF DIFFERENT SOLVENT EXTRACTS OF PORTULACA OLERACEA (LINN.) A WHOLE PLANT AGAINST PHERITIMA POSTHUMA

Indraja Naik*, Vyankatesh Janwade, Khushi Jamkhane and Nagma Shaikh

ABSTRACT

Background: Parasitic diseases, especially, helmenthiasis pose a threat to human health and livestock alike. This imposes a greater burden of health care expenditure in tropical countries where these are endemic. Recently, the research for naturally- derived anthelmintic has been encouraged. Portulaca oleracea, commonly called as common Purslane, has been part of diet in Asian and Mediterranean region. In the present study, various extracts of Purslane were tested for their anthelmintic activity on Indian adult earthworms (Pheretima posthuma). The anthelmintic activity of all the extracts was concentration- dependent and comparable to that of standard; while aqueous extract exhibited greatest activity. Further in- vivo tests and phytochemical research would shed light on potential. Method: Present study was carried out to investigate the anthelmintic potential of ethanolic methanolic and aqueous extract of Portulaca oleracea against Pheretima posthuma as a species of earthworm. Various concentrations (25‐100 mg/ml) of ethanol, methanol and aqueous extract were evaluated for anthelmintic activity by recording the time required for paralysis and death of worms. Albendazole was used as standard. Result indicates that ethanol extract significantly (p<0.01) exhibited paralysis at lower doses of 50, 75 and 100 mg/ml and causes death of worms at doses of concentrations 75 and 100 mg/ml when compared with standard. The present study indicates that the ethanol methanol and aqueous extract of Portulaca oleracea has a potential anthelmintic activity can be used as anthelmintic.

Keywords: Portulaca Oleracea, Anthelmintic, Pheretima posthuman, Levamisole, Phytochemical Screening, Toxicity, Haemonchus contortus.