Evaluation of Antihelminthic Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Anthocephalus Cadamba

Abstract

Aim: This research aimed to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of a hydroalcoholic extract of Anthocephalus cadamba (HEAC) leaves using Pheretima posthuma as a model organism, thereby assessing its potential as a natural therapeutic agent against parasitic infections.

Methodology: The plant material was sourced from Shadnagar, verified, and then macerated to extract the active ingredients. Phytochemical analysis identified phenolic substances, alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids. Tests for anthelmintic activity were conducted on five groups of Indian earthworms (Pheretima posthuma), with six worms in each group. Group I was given normal saline, Groups II-IV were given hydroalcoholic extracts at concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 mg/mL, whereas Group V was given 200 mg/mL of albendazole. We used one-way ANOVA (P < 0.05) to examine the data, which included recording the timings of paralysis and death.

Results: Bioactive chemicals including alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds were identified in Anthocephalus cadamba leaves by a phytochemical study. The hydroalcoholic extract showed anthelmintic action that was dosage-dependent. When compared to 25 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL concentrations, the 100 mg/mL dose exhibited significantly greater activity. This proved that the extract was effective in paralyzing and killing the earthworms since its activity was similar to that of the reference medicine Albendazole.

Conclusion: The hydroalcoholic extract of Anthocephalus cadamba leaves exhibits strong, dose-dependent anthelmintic activity, likely due to its phytochemical constituents. Further research is required to optimize extraction methods and evaluate the extract’s efficacy in clinical models. Nonetheless, this study supports its potential use as a natural anthelmintic agent.