In-Vitro Evaluation Of Smilax Zeylanica Linn. Leaves For Anthelmintic Activity

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the in-vitro anthelmintic property of various solvent extracts of Smilax zeylanica leaves against Pheritima posthuma. Various concentrations of Petroleum ether, Benzene, Chloroform and Methanol extract (20mg/ml and 40mg/ml) were used in evaluation. The activity was assessed by the determination of time of paralysis and time of death of worms. Albendazole (20mg/ml) was included as a reference standard. All the extracts were found to paralyze and kill the worms. The Petroleum ether extract and Chloroform extract showed a potent anthelmintic activity compared to standard drug albendazole. Benzene extract was less potent to cause paralysis and death at 20mg/ml and 40mg/ml, which took more time to paralyze and death. Methanol extract was less potent to cause paralysis at 20mg/ml and 40mg/ml, but caused death of worms earlier than albendazole. It is concluded that the anthelmintic efficacy of solvents extracts of Smilax zeylanica might be attributed to the presence of phytochemicals.