IN VITRO ANTHELMINTIC ACTIVITY OF ACMELLA OPPOSITIFOLIA

Dr. Nandini M. S., Raghu J. D.* and Narendra R.

ABSTRACT

Background and Objectives: Acmella oppositifolia is an Indian medicinal plant belongs to the family Asteraceae. The present study has been designed to screen the anthelmintic activity of ethanolic extract of Acmella oppositifolia. Methodology: To evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic activity of ethanolic extract of Acmella oppositifolia we have selected the adult Indian earthworms, Pheretima posthuma. In this study dried extract was taken in 1% w/v carboxymethyl cellulose and prepared in normal saline in three different concentrations (25, 50, 100 mg/ml). The suspension of Albendazole taken in same three concentration considered as standard and normal saline water with 1% CMC was taken as a control. All the worms were placed in petri dish containing 15 ml of sample (drug) solution. Time taken for paralysis (Vermifuge) was noted either when any movement could not be observed except when the worms were shaken vigorously or when dipped in warm water (50 0C). Death (Vermicidal) was included when the worms lost their motility followed by white secretions and fading away of their body colour. Results: Ethanolic extract of Acmella oppositifolia has exhibited significant anthelmintic activity at all the tested concentrations when compared to standard drug since vermifuge and vermicidal effect was highly significant at the higher concentration (100 mg/ml). Conclusion: The current investigation leads to conclusion that the Acmella oppositifolia have potent anthelmintic activity when compare with the standard albendazole drug. Therefore, we can use this plant as an alternative source of anthelmintic drug and the activities may probably due to the presence of flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, alkaloids and triterpenes.

Keywords: Acmella oppositifolia, Anthelmintic activity, Albendazole, Vermifuge, Vermicidal.