In-vitro Anthelmintic and Antioxidant Activity of Helicteres isora Linn. Fruit Extracts

Abstract

In-vitro anthelmintic activity of methanol and petroleum ether extracts of Helicteres isora fruits were determined by the evaluation of time for paralysis and death (min.) against Indian earthworms Pheretima posthuma. Various concentrations of extracts were tested in the bioassay (10, 20, and 50 mg/ml). Albendazole at concentration 20 mg/ml was included as standard reference while normal saline (0.9 % NaCl) solution as control. Antioxidant activity was determined by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) radicals scavenging assays. The both methanol and petroleum ether extracts showed dose dependent anthelmintic activity. The DPPH free radical scavenging activity was obtained with the methanol extract (IC₅₀ 42.95 µg/ml), while petroleum ether extract showed less free radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ 89.81 μg/ml) as compared to standard ascorbic acid (IC₅₀ 23.75 µg/ml). Hydrogen peroxide decomposition activity of methanol and petroleum ether extracts were showed in a concentration dependent manner with an IC₅₀ 36.61 µg/ml and 74.40 µg/ml respectively, while IC₅₀ value for ascorbic acid was 9.64 ìg/ml. Methanol extracts showed potent anthelmintic and antioxidant activity than petroleum ether extracts.

Key words:

• Anthelmintics
• Antioxidants
• Helicteres isora, Paralysis
• Pheretima posthuma