IN VITRO ANTHELMINTIC ACTIVITY OF AQUEOUS AND METHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF OLDENLANDIA UMBELLATA

Objective: The present study was carried out to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic activity of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Oldenlandia umbelata against Pheretima posthuma . Methods: Three different concentrations, each of crude alcoholic and aqueous extract (10, 50,100 mg/ml in distilled water) were prepared and six worms (same type) were placed in it. Observations were made for the time taken to cause paralysis and death of the individual worms. Mean time for the paralysis (P) in min was noted when no movement of any sort could be observed,except when the worm was shaken vigorously; time of death (D) in min was recorded after ascertaining the worms neither moved when shaken vigorously nor when dipped in warm water (50°C). Piperazine citrate (10mg/ml) was included as reference compounds. Results: The extracts of Oldenlandia umbelata not only demonstrated paralysis, but also caused death of worms, especially at higher concentration of 100 mg/ml in shorter time as compared to reference drug Piperazine citrate. Conclusion: In present statement methanolic and aqueous extracts of plant of Oldenlandia umbelata was investigated for their anthelmintic activity against Pheretima posthuma. Various concentrations were used in the bioassay, which involved paralysis and death time of the worms. Both the extracts showed significant anthelmintic activity. Keywords: Anthelmintic activity, Pheretima posthuma, Oldenlandia umbelata, Aqueous extract, Methanol extract.