Abstract

SCREENING THE INVITRO ANTHELMINTIC ACTIVITY OF ALTERNANTHERA SESSILIS LEAVES

Vennila V* and Nivetha R

ABSTRACT

Objective: The present study aimed at the in-vitro evaluation of anthelmintic activity of aqueous, methanol and acetone extracts of the leaves of Alternanthera sessilis using Pheretima posthuma. Methods: The parameters like the time of paralysis and the time of death of Pheretima posthuma were determined by using the different solvent extracts of A. sessilis at the concentrations of 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg/ml. Results: All the extracts of A. sessilis exhibited significant anthelmintic activity at 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg/ml as compared with standard drug - albendazole (15 mg/ml). The methanolic extract showed greater activity at each concentration than aqueous and acetone extracts. Conclusion: In conclusion, the use of leaves of A. sessilis as an anthelmintic have been confirmed and further studies are suggested to isolate the active principles responsible for the activity.

Keywords: Alternanthera sessilis, Anthelmintic activity, Pheretima posthuma, methanolic extract, Albendazole.